Radiologists working within BreastScreen Aotearoa participate in the two phases of the screening process: reading the screening mammogram and participating in assessment clinics.

In the first phase the radiologist works alone, performing one of the two initial readings of the mammogram. There is also a close association with the medical radiation technologists (MRTs) who perform screening mammography and their QC tests and with the medical physicist in the operation of the MQA programme. In the second phase the radiologist works as part of a multidisciplinary team which includes MRTs, surgeons, pathologists and breastcare nurses.

Professional Standards

Qualifications

Radiologists involved in BreastScreen Aotearoa will be medically qualified, registered to practise in New Zealand, and hold vocational registration in diagnostic radiology. They will also have a basic qualification in radiology, such as the Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR).

Minimum qualification required/entry level requirements

BreastScreen Aotearoa radiologists must undertake further training prior to commencing screening mammography within the Programme. This should include a minimum of the following:

1. attendance at one teaching course currently recognised by the RANZCR within the last two years
2. completion of 300 dummy third reads within the three months prior to commencement. A recall rate of not more than 12% is required
3. participation as an observer at the full clinical multidisciplinary team meetings and the process of resolution of discordant readings during the period of training as a third reader
4. demonstration of reader sensitivity of 80% from a cancer seeded set of films such as PERFORMS
5. reporting of a minimum of 2000 mammograms within the 12 months prior to commencement.

Minimum qualification required for unsupervised assessments

Prior to commencing unsupervised assessment, radiologists must satisfy the Clinical Director that they are competent in the following:

1. supervising and interpreting mammographic work-up
2. performing and interpreting breast ultrasound
3. performing all invasive procedures available in their assessment clinic
4. attendance and supervised participation within the 12 months prior to commencement in ten assessment sessions within an established national population-based screening programme either in New Zealand or overseas, at a screening facility approved by the RANZCR.

Accreditation process

1. All radiologists working in the BSA Programme require accreditation to do so.
2. Each radiologist will be assessed on their qualification, training etc and a decision will be made by the Accreditation Committee based on information submitted in the Accreditation Template.
3. A recommendation will be made by BreastScreen Aotearoa, regarding their ability to work in the Programme. The outcome will be communicated to their Lead Provider Manager, Clinical Director and the radiologist concerned.

NPQS Appendix V: Accreditation Protocols

Radiologist Accreditation Template

Continuing professional development

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) includes:

1. attendance at, at least one scientific meeting or refresher course specific to mammography every two years
2. attendance at multidisciplinary review and audit meetings
3. reviewing current journals and material on relevant radiological websites.

Radiologist Workforce Surveys

In 2004, BreastScreen Aotearoa (BSA) commenced annual workforce surveys for Radiologists working in the breast screening programme. The surveys have been refined over time and provide accurate demographic information on Radiologists currently employed by BSA Lead Providers and subcontractors, and their views on some key issues.