Assessment of the willingness of radiographers in mammography to accept new responsibilities in role extension: Part one – Quantitative analysis

PurposeThe success of skill development amongst radiographers in the UK over the last 30 years has stimulated discussion about similar developments in Australia. The introduction of flexible roles and responsibilities may well improve the recruitment and retention issues facing radiographers in mammography by increasing the level of job satisfaction and professional confidence. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of BreastScreen Australia radiographers toward mammography screen reading and to determine other areas of interest in role extension.Methods and materialsQuestionnaires were sent to radiographers working within Australian BreastScreening programs. The emphasis for this study was on image interpretation, although different areas of role expansion were discussed. The radiographers were asked whether there were any barriers preventing them from becoming screen readers and the levels of supervision and training they thought appropriate for different tasks.They were asked to discuss possible benefits and disadvantages of additional responsibilities. The involvement of radiographers with routine screening was explored as well as the possibility of further training leading to more diversity in their careers.ResultsThe results highlight the interest that radiographers working in Australia have for role extension in mammography. The radiographers indicated they would feel reasonably confident to undertake image interpretation, but two areas gave them cause for concern – a lack of prior images, and the prospect of no radiologist reading with them. The majority (79%) of radiographers were prepared to undertake extra training and demonstrated that the importance of increased pay for these extra responsibilities (39%) lagged behind the importance of increased professional equity (47%) and increased enjoyment and interest in mammography (66%). The possibility of role expansion being a cause of division in the workforce (pressure to comply) was seen as a problem by only 15% of respondents.ConclusionThis study reports on the thoughts and perceptions of Australian radiographers on many aspects of role expansion within BreastScreen Australia and shows their support for advanced practice.