Exploring the Benefits of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reporting by Radiographers: A UK Perspective

MRI reporting radiographers - Has there been a progression or regression in numbers and scope of practice?

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine whether there had been a progression or regression in the numbers and scope of practice of reporting radiographers in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the United Kingdom (UK), using data from a previous study conducted by the author in 2019/20 as a comparison.

METHODS

Data was gathered via a survey sent to multiple users and groups of MRI Radiographers in the UK. The survey consisted of a questionnaire, using both numerical and free text answers to enable the responders to elaborate on their scope of practice whilst also allowing numerical data to be easily analysed. The responses were analysed for patterns and comparison was made with the data from the previous survey. The questionnaire was based on three main themes of those in training, those trained and those in practice.

RESULTS

A total of 62 sites had radiographers in training (n =24) or trained (n = 125) in MRI reporting compared to 46 sites in the previous survey. The majority of responders were from England (n = 56/62) with only a few sites in Scotland (n = 4) and Wales (n = 2). There were 24 radiographers in training, a reduction compared to the previous survey and an increase in the number of radiographers trained (n = 80 to n = 125) and in practice (n = 57 to n = 84). Scope of practice had also increased with the addition of MRCPs, orbits and pituitary.

CONCLUSION

This survey provides evidence that the number and scope of practice of MRI reporting radiographers within the UK has progressed when compared to a previous survey from 2019/20. The numbers however are still low and there remain significant geographical variations. The continued predominance of single handed practice is a concern and the reasons behind this and the slow expansion of skill mix reporting in this modality needs further investigation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This study provides evidence of the number and scope of practice of the radiographer reporting of MRI examinations in the UK. It also demonstrates that there has been an increase in scope and number of radiographers reporting MRI scans, this will provide evidence and proof of concept for departments looking to initiate or increase this practice.

Difficulties associated with access to training and clinical support for Reporting Radiographers - A narrative evidence synthesis

OBJECTIVES

This narrative synthesis of evidence identifies and explores issues that impact upon the expansion or effectiveness of Reporting Radiographers working in all diagnostic modalities within the United Kingdom (UK). The publication focuses on accessibility to training for prospective Reporting Radiographers as well as clinical support within and beyond training.

KEY FINDINGS

Fifteen studies informed the themes of this article, they were published between 2014 and 2021. Reporting Radiographers often found it difficult find support during training and once qualified, this was usually due to the availability and workload of supervising staff. Although resistance and obstruction were experienced by many. Concerns relating to pay, promotion and interest were expressed by some respondents whilst access to courses and finance were highlighted as areas of variance across the UK.

CONCLUSION

Inadequate support of Reporting Radiographers is impairing expansion of the specialism, whilst impacting capability and morale. This increases risk of patient harm, delays to care and inefficiency, it also threatens the sustainability of services. Negative interactions between Reporting Radiographers and Radiologists or managers is disappointing considering development of the specialism; evidence of Reporting Radiographer effectiveness and current collaboration between Royal College of Radiologists and Society of Radiographers. Issues raised in relation to pay/promotion and litigation could be clarified with ease, this should be considered when guidance is updated. Access to finance and courses is a major barrier in some regions of the UK. Scope exists for further exploration of training. England has used grants to facilitate uptake, these may prove to be an important tool in other countries.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Drivers to increase recruitment should be implemented alongside measures to facilitate accessibility to training and improvements to support infrastructure.

Changing the model of radiography practice: Challenges of role advancement and future needs for radiographers working in the UAE

INTRODUCTION

The radiographers' role in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is focused on image acquisition with a willingness to accept advanced practice roles after appropriate education and training. Radiographers working in the UAE are highly motivated and ambitious to achieve those internationally identified levels of professional recognition and opportunities for role advancement. This study investigates the radiographers' perspectives, perceptions and hopes for role advancement in the UAE.

METHODS

A qualitative research study design using Focus Group Discussions (FGD) was used to elicit the perceptions of radiographers. Participants were radiographers working in the hospitals and clinics supervised by the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Participants were asked about the recognized tasks defined as advancement roles, needs for roles clinically, challenges and requirements to prepare radiographers to participate in extended/developed roles. The discussions were audio recorded and later transcribed by an independent research assistant. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis RESULTS: 29 radiographers participated in the FGDs, and 83% (n = 24) were interested in role advancement. FGD revealed that their current practice showed some informal extended role that may promote career progression. The most significant challenges identified by participants was their knowledge level as provided by the current curriculum and the need for education and licensing body support to accommodate change.

CONCLUSION

The study identified a need for education and licensing body support to enable change in roles by radiographers, through improving radiographer knowledge and experience for role advancement.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

To sustain role advancement, formal intense training and education are necessary, normally above bachelor's degree level. Furthermore, establishing standards, licensing organizations/professional bodies should be part of the transformation of the profession to enable internationally recognized models to be followed.

How is the reporting radiographer role portrayed in published studies? A scoping review

OBJECTIVES

Radiographers have been undertaking reporting tasks since the 1980's with a wealth of evidence published to support this practice. Radiographers have since developed skills in reporting all body systems, from all referral sources across a range of modalities. Radiographer reporting is now considered established and demand for radiographers in this role is rising to meet service demand. Reporting radiographers work as part of multi-professional image reporting teams, it is unclear how the radiographer role is perceived as part of this model. The aim was to review peer-reviewed literature to evaluate how the role of the reporting radiographer is portrayed and how the relationship between the two imaging professions has developed.

KEY FINDINGS

Language used to discuss the role of the reporting radiographer has changed over time. There is progress demonstrated from the practice of radiographer reporting being considered contentious or opposed to accepted and established. Recent publications focus on the importance utilising the skills of all multi-disciplinary team members in workforce structure. This features prominently when discussing future workforce design, such as with the Cancer workforce strategy and the development of the national standards for musculoskeletal reporting.

CONCLUSION

Published literature has highlighted a move towards acceptance of the reporting radiographer role. Multi-disciplinary team working, utilising the skills of all imaging team members, is essential to the success and sustainability of the imaging workforce moving forwards.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Reporting by radiographers is established and will be prominent in the reporting workforce as part of long-term workforce planning, considering skills mix to form effective and sustainable multidisciplinary reporting teams.