Radiographer reporting of magnetic resonance imaging breast examinations: findings of an accredited postgraduate programme

Aim
To present the objective structured examination (OSE) results of the initial cohorts of radiographers (n=6) who have completed a postgraduate education programme (accredited by the College of Radiographers) to report magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigations of the breast.
Method
Twenty-five MRI investigations (prevalence of abnormal cases approximately 50%) were used in the OSE which included the following appearances: malignancy (mass; multi-focal disease; nipple and/or lymph node involvement); benign cysts; implant rupture (intra and extra capsular); and normal breast (with and without implant).
The radiographers indicated if the appearances were normal or abnormal and provided a description and interpretation of any abnormal appearances. Responses (n=150) were compared to the expected answers previously agreed with a consultant radiologist external examiner. Sensitivity and specificity rates were calculated on the normal/abnormal decision and the total percentage agreement rates were calculated using a pre-determined marking scheme.
Results
The mean % rates (and 95% Confidence Intervals) for sensitivity, specificity and agreement were 96.0% (82-98); 95% (85-98) and 89.8% (80-96), respectively. The most common false positive and false negative errors were lymph node involvement, fibroadenoma and implant rupture.
Conclusion
These results suggest that this group of radiographers can report MRI breast examinations to a satisfactory level of competence to be of benefit to clinical departments committed to achieving recent guidelines. Further work is required to confirm the clinical application of these findings.