The National Breast Imaging Academy (NBIA) e-learning programme has recently been updated with two new sessions which complete an extensive suite of training resources for radiographers, radiologists and breast clinicians.
The latest sessions, on invasive ductal carcinoma and malignant disease in the axilla, mark the culmination of the extensive Academy Online programme. Launched in April 2020, the programme is a key element of the national strategy to address the major workforce shortages across breast imaging. It provides free, easy to access training resources for all practitioners involved in breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.
The 150 interactive e-learning sessions in the programme cover topics ranging from mammographic interpretation and interventional skills to breast surgery and risk and prevention. A new vlog introduced by Dr Simon Lowes, Joint Radiology Subject Lead at the NBIA, gives a brief overview of the programme.
Since the programme launched there have been 47,114 session launches, with 21,128 hours of learning spent on the programme.
Dr Megan Bydder, Academy Online Clinical Lead and Consultant Breast Radiologist at Wythenshawe Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, commented:
“We’re incredibly proud of the collaboration and hard work that has created the Academy Online resources. Around 200 expert authors and editors across the country have enthusiastically shared their knowledge and expertise to deliver this valuable resource – which will be reviewed and updated on a rolling basis. The sessions have been extremely well received by trainees, trainers and qualified practitioners.
“For trainees undergoing formal training programmes such as the Mammography Associate apprenticeship, postgraduate mammography training, the breast clinician credential and the national breast radiology fellowship, the sessions have become a valuable part of their training. This was particularly the case when face to face teaching had to become virtual during the pandemic.
“Qualified practitioners are also using the resources for CPD and to enhance their knowledge and skills. They can access the sessions at any time, to fit their working schedule and training requirements.”
For more information and to access the sessions, please visit the National Breast Imaging Academy (NBIA) programme page.