Abstract
Mammography is a specialised radiological imaging modality that utilises low-dose X-rays to generate images of the breast. It can serve as both screening and diagnostic tool. Screening mammography stands as the gold standard test for asymptomatic patients, focusing on early breast cancer detection. Diagnostic mammograms, on the other hand are employed for symptomatic patients. Radiographers play a pivotal role in mammography imaging as they are responsible for producing high-quality mammograms crucial for diagnostic purposes.
The demand for mammography services in Zambia has increased, necessitating the need for more mammography machines and formally trained radiographers. Currently, Zambia has only 16 mammography machines concentrated in the capital city, with only one radiographer who is formally trained in mammography imaging. Radiographers who conduct mammography imaging in Zambia typically receive on-the-job training. As a result, the undergraduate radiography training program in Zambia was revised in 2016 to include a mammography component in the final year of study, albeit limited to the basic functioning principles of the mammography machine. Unlike in other countries, radiographers in Zambia do not undergo any further formal postgraduate mammography training. However, the experiences of radiographers with mammography imaging in Zambia remain unknown, despite their potential unique cases. The current study thus aims to explore radiographers' experiences in mammography imaging in Zambia.
The aim of this qualitative, phenomenological, exploratory, and descriptive research design was to explore and describe the experiences of radiographers who undertake mammography imaging in Zambia. Purposeful sampling was used to gather data from information-rich radiographers involved in mammography imaging. Semi-structured one-on-one telephone interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. A thematic data analysis approach was employed to analyse the raw data. The generated themes included: (1) a lack of adequate training in mammography imaging, (2) barriers to providing quality mammography imaging services, (3) strategies for improving mammography imaging services, which were contextualised within the current literature. Strategies were formulated, and were put forward to address the challenges identified to enhance mammography services in Zambia. Furthermore, findings of this study will be disseminated through conferences, seminars, and publications in accredited journals.