Abstract
BackgroundMammography is considered the best imaging technique for breast cancer screening, and the radiographer plays an important role in its performance. Therefore, continuing education is critical to improving the performance of these professionals and thus providing better health care services.ObjectiveOur goal was to develop an e-learning course on breast imaging for radiographers, assessing its efficacy, effectiveness, and user satisfaction.MethodsA stratified randomized controlled trial was performed with radiographers and radiology students who already had mammography training, using pre- and post-knowledge tests, and satisfaction questionnaires. The primary outcome was the improvement in test results (percentage of correct answers), using intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis.ResultsA total of 54 participants were assigned to the intervention (20 students plus 34 radiographers) with 53 controls (19+34). The intervention was completed by 40 participants (11+29), with 4 (2+2) discontinued interventions, and 10 (7+3) lost to follow-up. Differences in the primary outcome were found between intervention and control: 21 versus 4 percentage points (pp), P<.001. Stratified analysis showed effect in radiographers (23 pp vs 4 pp; P=.004) but was unclear in students (18 pp vs 5 pp; P=.098). Nonetheless, differences in students’ posttest results were found (88% vs 63%; P=.003), which were absent in pretest (63% vs 63%; P=.106). The per-protocol analysis showed a higher effect (26 pp vs 2 pp; P<.001), both in students (25 pp vs 3 pp; P=.004) and radiographers (27 pp vs 2 pp; P<.001). Overall, 85% were satisfied with the course, and 88% considered it successful.ConclusionsThis e-learning course is effective, especially for radiographers, which highlights the need for continuing education.
Highlights
OverviewIn Europe, breast cancer is responsible for one in every six deaths from cancer in women [1]
190 individuals were considered for inclusion (120 radiographers and 70 students) from which a total of 107 enrolled and answered the pre-knowledge test (68 radiographers and 39 students)
This study underlines the importance of the radiographer as the health care professional who interacts first with women during the breast cancer screening process
Summary
OverviewIn Europe, breast cancer is responsible for one in every six deaths from cancer in women [1]. Mammography is currently considered the best imaging technique for breast cancer screening [3] and the most effective tool for the early detection of this disease, helping reduce mortality and increasing treatment options [4,5]. For screening and for diagnosis, intervention, and follow-up [6], mammography has undergone constant improvements to enhance its diagnostic quality, namely in image acquisition, equipment design and components, and technical parameters [7]. Mammography is considered the best imaging technique for breast cancer screening, and the radiographer plays an important role in its performance. Objective: Our goal was to develop an e-learning course on breast imaging for radiographers, assessing its efficacy, effectiveness, and user satisfaction. Conclusions: This e-learning course is effective, especially for radiographers, which highlights the need for continuing education
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