Image-guided interventional procedures of the breast: the development and delivery of a postgraduate programme of study from an academic and clinical perspective

It is acknowledged that advanced practitioners [1] can, if suitably trained, undertake interventional procedures of the breast under mammographic/ultrasound control.

While the idea of mammographers/ultrasonographers undertaking interventional procedures remains controversial, it is established practice in a small number of centres, through 'in-house' training [2]. However, some concern has been expressed at the nontransferability of the skills acquired by 'in-house' training, and the need for formal academic input of required underpinning knowledge and accreditation of competencies is now recognised [3]. This can only be achieved by academics and clinical specialists working in collaboration [1].

This paper discusses the problems associated with the development and delivery of such a postgraduate programme from an academic and clinical perspective.