CREDENTIALING
This webpage gives info on our credential project from the RCR point of view
VISIT THE RCR WEBSITE FOR FURTHER DETAILSIn association with:
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE OF THE CREDENTIAL
Historically there has been no standard training pathway for breast clinicians. Some BCs have achieved an MSc or postgraduate diploma in breast diagnosis and breast disease management, based around university modular learning at Masters level. Others have used solitary university modules in addition to workplace acquisition of skills and knowledge. Training was under the supervision of a radiologist, surgeon or experienced breast clinician and BC roles have evolved to address local service needs.
The purpose of the credential is to standardise postgraduate formal training for breast clinicians across the UK. The concept of a credential was developed by PMETB and following their merger with the GMC in 2010, the GMC agreed the feasibility of credentialing. Breast disease management was a pilot for credential development. Subsequently, a postgraduate training curriculum, to a nationally agreed standard, with a defined scope of practice in breast disease management and radiology was developed jointly by the ABC, RCR and NHSE with the first cohort of doctors commencing training in 2019.
The objective of the credential is to clearly define a training pathway and scope of practice that is recognised nationally while ensuring that the breast screening and symptomatic units have the workforce they need to support and lead the service. The credential delivers run through training. Progression is evaluated by formative and summative assessment alongside annual appraisal. Training is supported by experienced trainers to ensure practice is compliant with standards of the Breast Screening Programme and completion of training is partly benchmarked against these standards.
SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Following completion of the credential breast clinicians provide a holistic approach to the investigation and management of breast disease. They will be expert in triple assessment due to the development of skills in:
- Clinical examination
- Interpretation of imaging including mammography and ultrasound
- The use of interventional procedures both within the NHS symptomatic clinic and the NHSBSP
- Management of benign breast disease and women at increased risk of developing breast cancer
In addition to being an integral part of the multidisciplinary team, they will also be able to work as independent practitioners administering their own practice.
KEY INTERDEPENDENCIES
Entry to the programme requires completion of the foundation years and at least two years additional postgraduate experience. Additional relevant experience in general practice, medicine or surgery, or experience in managing breast disease would be desirable.
The content of the programme has considerable overlap with the clinical radiology curriculum, the content of which is already GMC-approved. Trainees are required to cover the physics content of the clinical radiology curriculum and undertake the current physics module of the First FRCR Examination. Assessment of the other elements of the programme are workplace based and
formative in nature leading to an annual review and summative assessment to confirm progress. Trainee breast clinicians are given access to the RCR’s trainee e-portfolio to document progress.
To ensure that training and assessment are being delivered to the same standard as that of a GMC-approved CCT programme and overseen by GMC-approved trainers, training of BCs is undertaken, in a unit that already undertakes the training and assessment of clinical radiology trainees and in a breast screening unit.
ELIGIBILITY & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The core eligibility requirements are:
Primary Medical Qualification
Hold full registration with, and a current licence to practise from, the GMC
Have evidence of achievement of foundation competences, or equivalent, via one of the following methods:
- Current employment in a UKFPO-affiliated foundation programme; or
- Having been awarded an FPCC (or FACD 5.2) from a UK affiliated foundation programme within the 3.5 years preceding the advertised post start date; or
- 12 months medical experience after full GMC registration (or equivalent post licensing experience), and evidence of satisfactory appraisal in most recent post
- Eligible to work in the UK and eligible to be appointed as a Specialty Doctor on the 2021 SAS contract.
A more detailed person specification is available here: https://nationalbreastimagingacademy.org/app/uploads/2024/02/Breast-Clinician-Trainee_Template-Person-Specification-2024.pdf
LOGISTICS
Health Education England partially funded 10 doctors in a pilot project to train through the new curriculum which commenced in 2019. Since 2019, 20 doctors have been appointed to the credential training programme in many locations around the UK. Funding for a further five trainee Breast Clinicians is available in 2024. Further information regarding credential training or hosting a trainee BC, please contact: breastacademy@mft.nhs.uk. Credential oversight is provided jointly by the ABC, NBIA and RCR.
Frequently Asked Questions relating to the Credential are available here https://www.rcr.ac.uk/our-specialties/clinical-radiology/developing-your-radiology-career/breast-clinicians/breast-clinicians-credential-faqs/ or for any further information please visit the NBIA website: https://nationalbreastimagingacademy.org/breast-clinicians/about-breast-clinicians/breast-clinician-credential/
Apply for a trainee BC role
Find out more here. This links to the BJM careers website. Last date for application is 22nd April 2024.