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Breast ultrasound is performed due to the high incidence rate of breast cancer amongst women globally. Ultrasound is typically used as an adjunct to mammographic imaging, which remains the gold standard for breast cancer diagnosis. The main indications for breast ultrasound include palpable breast mass,  dense fibroglandular breast tissue, and pregnant/lactating women. This activity reviews the methodology and assessment of breast ultrasound, emphasizing the interprofessional team's collaborative efforts in evaluating and recommending this procedure. Clinicians engaging in this activity can expect to learn the latest advancements in breast ultrasound and enhance their practical skills. This heightened proficiency is crucial in addressing the limitations posed by dense breast parenchyma on mammography. Participants will navigate the lexicon of breast sonography, unraveling multiple descriptions of findings' features and refining their ability to make assessments based on the most concerning characteristics. With the latest knowledge and practical skills, clinicians will ensure a comprehensive approach to breast ultrasound that directly translates into improved patient outcomes. Objectives: Identify the indications and contraindications of breast ultrasound. Select appropriate imaging techniques, consider patient-specific factors, and coordinate with radiology teams to ensure optimal breast ultrasound procedures, minimizing false positives and negatives. Implement standardized guidelines, such as those outlined in the 2013 ACR BI-RADS Atlas, to assess breast ultrasound findings consistently, fostering a uniform approach to interpretation and reporting. Apply a multidisciplinary approach by collaborating with radiologists and other healthcare professionals on the interprofessional team, facilitating comprehensive breast disease evaluation and recommendations for further management. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Breast ultrasound has developed into a practical solution for the evaluation of breast disease. Although mammography remains the gold standard for breast cancer screening, it presents certain imaging limitations with dense breast parenchyma. Due to this, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been expanding their role as part of supplementary breast screening procedures.[1] The sensitivity for breast cancer detection using both mammography and ultrasound increases to 97.3%, with the false positive rate of ultrasound estimated as 2.4%.[2] Guidelines regarding breast sonography terminology are presented in the 2013 ACR BI-RADS Atlas. Multiple descriptions of breast findings' features, with a final assessment, often depend on the most concerning characteristic.

Healthcare professionals, including physicians, advanced care practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and others, should possess advanced skills in interpreting breast ultrasound findings, recognizing nuances in imaging, and applying the latest techniques. This involves ongoing education to stay abreast of technological advancements and evolving guidelines, ensuring accurate assessments. As part of interprofessional education (IPE), point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has been expanding over many medical specialties. Effective communication is fundamental. Professionals must engage in open dialogue, sharing insights, findings, and concerns to facilitate a cohesive team approach. Health professionals must also collaborate to create integrated care pathways, ensuring that patients move smoothly through the continuum of breast health, from screening to diagnosis and, if necessary, treatment. For full interprofessional collaboration, role clarification of each practitioner should be assessed. Conflict resolution methods between learner and practitioner should be provided for the best outcomes. Collaborative strategic planning is crucial to align breast ultrasound practices across disciplines. Developing standardized protocols, updating guidelines, and incorporating evidence-based strategies collectively contribute to a cohesive and efficient approach to breast disease evaluation. Healthcare professionals can collectively enhance patient-centered care, improve outcomes, ensure patient safety, and optimize team performance in breast ultrasound.

Pre-workshop assessments should include demographics as well as the attitudes of healthcare professionals regarding the use of IPE (see Image. Interprofessional Education in Breast Ultrasound). During training and collaborative teaching events, simulation of activities can promote increased awareness and interest in ultrasound imaging. Following workshop integration, a follow-up regarding attitudes of IPE should be encouraged to assess if the resulting work leads to contextual learning and assessment across all fields of medicine.