The role of advanced practitioner enables the radiologist to work more efficiently. Wire localisations are essential procedures but by using a radiographer who has been trained to undertake them, this leaves the radiologist time to film read without interruption most mornings.
As the advanced practitioner can perform stereocores, the assessment and symptomatic clinics are able to run more efficiently. The outcome is to minimise stress, streamline the service and promote a patient-focused quality service (i.e. shorter waiting times for results, minimise repeat attendance).
Audit of these procedures for radiologists and radiographers indicate that the results are very similar.
A radiologist commented, "It's great, I've been let off the hook! Peace to read most mornings."