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Volume 2 Supplement 2

Symposium Mammographicum 2000

  • Meeting abstract
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How long does it take to become a competent mammographer?

Introduction

This study reviewed the training of 62 individuals who gained their Certificate of Competence in Mammography through the Nottingham unit between June 1997 and June 1999. The time taken and the number of mammograms from practical training to accreditation were audited. These were evaluated in association with past experience and type of work carried out.

Results

The mean number of mammograms taken was 322 (range 250-770); the mean number of weeks was 34 (16-54); the number of weeks for those with no experience was 35 (16-54), for those with limited experience was 35 (19-49) and for an experienced individual was 34 (16-44). The number of mammograms for those with no experience was 385 (253-770), for those with limited experience was 308 (250-551) and for an experienced individual was 292 (251-350). The number of weeks for a trainee participating in breast screening was 32 (16-54) and for those performing symptomatic mammograms only 35.5 (26-49). The number of mammograms for screening was 352 (250-770) and for symptomatic alone was 281 (251-350).

Conclusion

The average time taken to reach the required standard to gain the Certificate of Competence in Mammography is not dependent on the previous experience in mammography. However, the number of mammograms taken before the standard is reached may be less the greater the previous experience. The type of work undertaken during the training bears little relevance to the number of weeks taken to accreditation. The number of mammograms taken during the period of training was greater for the individuals working in a screening unit.

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Naylor, S. How long does it take to become a competent mammographer?. Breast Cancer Res 2 (Suppl 2), A22 (2000). https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1186/bcr214

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  • DOI: https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1186/bcr214

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