Produce supplementary and additional mammographic images

1. check the mammography machine for safety and optimal performance before use 2. ensure the environment is conducive to maintaining the privacy and dignity of the individual 3. check the identification details before commencing the procedure in accordance with local policies and procedures 4. communicate with the individual / key people to facilitate their understanding of and co-operation with the examination 5. establish the individual’s capacity to understand the procedure with the help of key people if necessary 6. obtain valid consent for the procedure in accordance with national and local guidelines  7. explain the procedure in a manner which encourages the individual to relax and co-operate with the requirements of the procedure 8. respect the individual’s privacy, dignity, wishes and beliefs 9. assess the individual’s emotional needs and respond appropriately 10. check relevant information relating to the individual and use it to identify the appropriate images required for the procedure in consultation with relevant professionals and following local protocols 11. ask appropriate targeted questions relating to the individual history and any presenting symptoms 12. consider a range of accessory mammography equipment to aid positioning appropriate images 13. consider the supplementary and additional positioning techniques necessary to optimally demonstrate the area of interest within the breast 14. communicate the steps involved during positioning the individual  15. produce supplementary and additional mammographic images in accordance with current standards 16. ensure that the images are checked for diagnostic quality and a decision made to repeat the imaging where necessary  17. ensure that the individual is advised of the reporting procedure and given any necessary additional information 18. correctly and permanently label the images with the individual’s identification before processing or storage 19. recognise where help or advice is required and obtain this from appropriate sources

1. legal, organisational and policy requirements relevant to your role, the role of others in your organisation and the activities being carried out 2. the relevant national and local standards, guidelines, policies and procedures that are available and how and when they should be accessed 3. the importance of respecting individuals’ culture, privacy, dignity, wishes, beliefs and decisions  4. the limitations of your own knowledge and experience and the importance of operating within your scope of practice 5. the roles and responsibilities of other team members 6. the importance of obtaining valid consent in line with national and local guidelines 7. the purpose of the breast diagnostic and screening services 8. the quality assurance programmes in symptomatic, assessment and breast screening services 9. local policy and protocol for arranging and working with a chaperone 10. the importance and implications of correct individual identification 11. the changes in images, physical appearance or feel of breast tissue as a result of age, surgery, hormonal state, medication or radiotherapy 12. the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the breast, axilla, subcutaneous tissues and associated structures 13. basic signs and symptoms of breast cancer 14. the importance of accurate labelling according to local protocols 15. how images should be correctly displayed 16. the anatomy and physiology of the human body 17. the pathophysiology of breast disease 18. basic radiation physics and x-ray imaging 19. the risks of work-related disorders and how to minimise the risks 20. the reasons why the responsibility for confirming equipment is in good working order rests with the user 21. the functions, specifications and performance characteristics of mammography machines and picture archiving and communication systems (PACs)  22. where and how to access previous records and images and how to add further information 23. the features of mammographic equipment and the imaging process 24. the importance of reporting faults and malfunctions promptly and the correct procedures for reporting these 25. the importance and implications of selecting the correct imaging view  26. importance of good infection control processes and how to apply them  27. the local procedures for checking mammography equipment and picture archiving and communication systems (PACs) and the importance of undertaking these on a regular basis 28. the relevant information which should be sought and recorded 29. what creates artefacts on images and the importance of avoiding their presence 30. how to adapt communication styles, ask questions, and listen carefully in ways which are appropriate for the needs of the individual 31. methods of communicating difficult and complex information to individuals and key people  32. the importance of providing individuals and key people with opportunities to ask questions and increase their understanding 33. the information that should be given to individuals before, during and on completion of the examination 34. the need for the individual’s compliance throughout the procedure and the factors which might influence that compliance 35. the various ways in which distress and discomfort may be presented and identified and an understanding of the strategies for handling these 36. the need to optimise the radiation dosage received by the individual 37. the factors which influence the exposure setting 38. the result reporting procedures and the importance of giving timely and accurate information to the individual 39. the radiographic standards for the production of the optimum diagnostic mammogram 40. techniques to optimise positioning of the breast to overcome physical constraints 41. techniques to optimise positioning when imaging the augmented breast 42. the importance of minimising any unnecessary discomfort, and how to do so 43. procedures relating to recording, collating and preparing appropriate information, documentation and images for transfer or storage according to local protocols 44. how to keep full, accurate and clear records in line with organisational procedures