Breast Test and Training System (PERFORMS)

The role of the Screening Quality Assurance Service (SQAS) is to monitor the quality of local screening programmes and their compliance with guidance and standards. To do this, SQAS undertakes regional level quality assurance visits and pathway reviews as well as other QA activities such as review and monitoring of data, review and advice on screening safety incidents, oversight of the quality of service provider delivery via regular communications and participation in programme board meetings, etc.

The Breast Test and Train (TaT) service supports the quality assurance work and provides NHSE with assurance of the ability of radiologists within the NHSBSP to accurately detect the range of cancers that they might be presented with in the population. It provides the means to enable radiologists to recognise a range of cancers, including those that are of a rarer condition which in turn, results in less harm to those undergoing mammograms as cancers will be correctly identified and appropriate treatment given. This supports the delivery of the NHSBSP objective of saving lives from breast cancer. It is essential to maintain reliable, high-quality breast screening services that save lives.

Deliverables: • Clinical input to SQAS • Communication with trusts to obtain a suitable range of cases • IT platform for image readers to access the training and statistical analysis