The National Breast Imaging Academy (NBIA) in England said it will help deliver improved outcomes for patients and save the health economy $62 million (57 million euros) over 10 years, according to an independent evaluation report.
The analysis by Economics By Design predicted that between 2020 and 2029, the savings would be generated against the costs of traditional practice, such as using agency and locum staff, according to the NBIA.
"By supporting and developing new training pathways, we have already provided a significant uplift in the multidisciplinary workforce. This includes the 160 Mammography Associates enrolled to date, plus the 31 Radiology Fellows and 20 Breast Clinicians undertaking or completing their training," said NBIA Programme Lead Dr Mary Wilson, in a news release.
For radiography, the development and successful adoption of the level 4 mammography associate apprenticeship has seen this role now embedded in the CoR Education and Career Framework with its own accreditation pathway. The work is continuing on level 5 mammography assistant practitioner roles, in line with the National Health Service (NHS) and College of Radiographers (CoR) career framework, officials noted.
The NBIA was established in 2018 to deliver new training programs and tackle recruitment and retention issues across the breast imaging workforce in England. Funded by Health Education England and hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, it has developed a Mammography Associate apprenticeship, Breast Clinician Credential, Radiology Fellowship, and e-learning resources for breast imaging professionals, according to the academy.
