Career Progression in Mammography

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Is career progression in Mammography facilitated clinically and academically in South Wales?

• IRAS ID

  351782

• Contact name

  Julia Kennedy

• Contact email

  KennedyJ4@cardiff.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Cardiff University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 1 months, 12 days

• Research summary

  Summary of Research
  The purpose of this study is to assess Mammographer’s opinion of career progression in their symptomatic departments and to ascertain if there is appropriate academic support in Wales.

  Currently if Radiographers progress and undertake modules such as clinical breast examination or breast ultrasound they have to apply to an English University as these modules are not currently offered in Wales.

  To ascertain the opinion on career progression and supporting academic qualifications a questionnaire will be distributed to Mammographers in all symptomatic breast units in South Wales. Participants will complete the questionnaire online over a 1 month time period.

  If Radiographers are more likely to complete post graduate study if they can study modules locally this research could have a benefit by identifying that it is a barrier to career progression that the modules are not currently offered in Wales.

  Summary of Results
  Is career progression facilitated clinically and academically in South Wales?
  This study was conducted as part of an MSc in Radiography undertaken at Cardiff University. A questionnaire was emailed to all Radiographers in South Wales working in symptomatic breast imaging. An up-to-date study was needed in South Wales to assess Radiographers’ ongoing interest in career progression and whether or not it had been facilitated.
  Out of a possible 36 respondents 20 completed the questionnaire resulting in a response rate of approximately 56%. The modal value for participant characteristics was 30-39 years old with 11-20 years since their Radiography qualification and 5-10 years of mammography experience. 85% had completed or were working towards the post graduate certificate in Mammography. 45% of participants showed an interest in undertaking image interpretation or interventional procedures in the future. A lack of time, lack of radiologist support and insufficient numbers to maintain competency were cited as barriers to career progression by 20% of participants.

• REC name

  N/A

• REC reference

  N/A