An NBIA educational innovation bursary of £10,000 has enabled the FAST MRI Research Programme at North Bristol NHS Trust to carry out research into optimising the diagnostic accuracy of First post‑contrAst SubtracTed breast MRI (FAST MRI) through the adaptation of interpretation‑training.
The research involved mapping the learning curve of NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) mammogram readers new to the interpretation of a shortened magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) of the breast called FAST MRI to support the delivery of a future multicentre trial of FAST MRI versus mammogram for breast cancer screening. The results of the research are now available as an open access publication in Breast Cancer Research.
Commenting on the impact of the educational bursary, Dr Lyn Jones, FAST MRI Research Programme Lead and Honorary Consultant Radiologist at North Bristol NHS Trust said:
“The NBIA is a fabulous programme that has achieved so much for breast imaging education, breast imaging professionals and the NHS, and its work massively benefits breast screening clients and breast patients across the UK.
“We are proud to have received this funding. The results of the study demonstrate the capability of the NHS’s multi-professional workforce of mammogram readers to quickly learn to effectively interpret FAST MRI scans in just two days of standardised e-learning.
“Thank you so much again for the award of this bursary, which has made this research possible.”
Dr Mary Wilson, Consultant Breast Radiologist and Lead of the National Breast Imaging Academy said:
“Congratulations to the Lyn and the team at North Bristol NHS Trust for their important research and getting it published. Improving training opportunities and methods for breast imaging professionals is at the heart of our work and it is pleasing to see the educational bursary put to such good use.”