Continuing professional development: Western Australian radiographers' opinions and attitudes

Australian medical radiation practitioners perspectives of continuing professional development: An online cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Continuing professional development (CPD) is mandatory for registered Australian medical radiation practitioners (MRPs) to maintain competence in their respective scopes of practice. The aim of this study was to explore MRPs attitudes, opinions and satisfaction towards CPD activities offered by the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT).

METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey was emailed to 6398 ASMIRT members and included questions on: demographics, ASMIRT CPD activities, learning mode preferences, barriers and perceptions of CPD outcomes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 1018 MRPs. While MRPs were satisfied with face-to-face CPD quality (n = 540, 58.1%) and provision (n = 492, 55.3%), they were dissatisfied with the quantity of online CPD activities (n = 577, 65.1%) delivered by ASMIRT. Online learning was the most preferred mode of CPD delivery (n = 749, 74.2%), followed by face-to-face (n = 643, 64.0%) and collaborative learning (n = 539, 53.4%). Younger participants (19-35 years) had positive opinions regarding ASMIRT CPD activities and outcomes. Access to professional development leave (PDL) supported achievement of mandatory CPD requirements (P < 0.001). Lack of time, lack of access and workload were the highest ranked barriers preventing CPD participation. Rural/remote MRPs were dissatisfied with availability (P = 0.023), access (P < 0.001) and adequacy of ASMIRT provided CPD (P < 0.01) and were more likely to encounter barriers to CPD participation (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Many MRPs experienced barriers which prevented them from participating in CPD. Provision of more online CPD activities by ASMIRT and access to PDL can assist. Future improvements will ensure MRPs remain motivated to engage in CPD to improve clinical skills, patient safety and health outcomes.

Collaborative learning in the professional development of medical radiation practitioners

INTRODUCTION

Medical radiation practitioners (MRPs) participate in continuous professional development (CPD) to update their knowledge, skills, safety standards and patient care. The Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA) recommends that practitioners participate in a variety of activities and to incorporate the use of collaborative learning tools. The aim of this research was to investigate the value, use and workplace supports for online and face-to-face collaborative learning for CPD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey of Australian MRPs was conducted. The questionnaire was distributed via e-blast from the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) to members.

RESULTS

A total of 115 completed questionnaires were received. Seminars, workshops and conferences were the most valued collaborative learning tools, with no significant difference in ranking observed (P > 0.05). The majority of MRPs regularly attend conferences (64%, n = 73) with those working in a metropolitan location more likely to attend. MRPs are supported by their workplace to attend conferences through the provision of paid leave (61%, n = 63), funding (50%, n = 52) and to a lesser extent travel expense (38%, n = 39). More than half (60%, n = 69) of the participants use social media for CPD with Facebook being the most frequently used and most useful online platform. The most common reasons for using social media for CPD were accessibility to information (85%, n = 56), little geographical limitations (77%, n = 51) and ease of use (74%, n = 49).

CONCLUSION

Medical radiation practitioners currently utilise both face-to-face and online collaborative learning tools to meet their CPD needs. Face-to-face tools are more frequently utilised and highly valued by MRPs.

Investigating perceptions of 'dose creep' amongst student radiographers: A grounded theory study

INTRODUCTION

The dose creep phenomenon is now a widely recognized concept in diagnostic radiography in light of recent technological advancements transnationally. However, this still remains underexplored amongst radiography students preparing to enter the radiography profession. In response, this study explores the perceptions of dose creep amongst undergraduate student radiographers.

METHODS

The methodological approach utilized in this research study was grounded theory. The qualitative approach aimed to uncover findings from a higher education institution in Australia. Six students were recruited and took part in semi-structured interviews. This enabled the exploration of previously uncovered data, leading to the construction of original theory within the clinical and academic environment. The data analysis employed was constant comparative analysis (CCA).

RESULTS

A number of insights emerged from the qualitative data set. For instance, the radiography students understanding of the term 'dose creep' and decision making leading to dose creep in the clinical environment is captured. This is further supported with assessment of image evaluation determining appropriate exposure factor selection and future impact upon graduation as diagnostic radiographers. The findings identify some important learning needs and actions for both clinical and academic settings which may help foster good use of X-ray exposures.

CONCLUSION

This paper concludes by affirming some challenges surrounding optimal exposure selection and the known phenomenon, dose creep. Further, this study identifies the importance of learning and teaching in the clinical environment whereby learned behaviour leads to suboptimum practices.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This study advances the existing evidence base by providing a unique lens into the knowledge and understanding of dose creep amongst radiography students in both academic and clinical contexts. It is anticipated this paper will help practitioners and educators better understand potential instances of dose creep within the clinical environment.

Survey of Australasian geriatricians' satisfaction with, and preferences for, continuing professional development

BACKGROUND

Continuing professional development (CPD) is an obligation for all Australasian geriatricians; however, there are no systematic data regarding Australian and New Zealand geriatricians' satisfaction with, and preferences for, CPD.

AIMS

To inform understanding of Australasian geriatricians' satisfaction with, and preferences for, CPD.

METHODS

An electronic survey to collect data relating to demographics, current CPD activities, preferred CPD activities and perceived major barriers to CPD was distributed to 706 geriatricians in Australia and New Zealand.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirteen (30%) responses were received. Respondents commonly reported CPD through participation in conferences (n = 205 (96%)) and research/educational activity (n = 146 (70%)). Most respondents agreed that the annual scientific meeting (n = 168 (79%)) and state-based meetings (n = 135 (63%)) are valuable for their CPD. Respondents perceived their professional (n = 155 (73%)) and non-professional (n = 21 (57%)) commitments as the major barriers to quality CPD. Respondents supported additional electronic CPD resources being made available, improved integration of assessment in CPD activities and flexible methods of CPD participation to meet the diverse needs of geriatricians.

CONCLUSIONS

Respondents perceived the face-to-face CPD opportunities currently available to them as valuable for their CPD but seek additional, flexible products to enable CPD participation based on individual needs and preferences.