The development and evaluation of an audit tool for measuring reporting accuracy of radiographers compared with radiologists for intra-luminal pathology detected at computed tomography colonography (CTC)

Preliminary clinical evaluation: Where are we? An international scoping review

BACKGROUND

The College of Radiographers' vision was that diagnostic radiographers in the UK would be writing preliminary clinical evaluations (PCE) on images. Their 2013 policy supporting the use of PCE has not been updated in a decade and it might be suggested PCE practices in the UK have not really moved on, though elsewhere it appears to have gained traction. The aim of this scoping review was to establish the current global status of the use of PCE.

METHOD

The Arksey and O'Malley scoping review framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines were used to develop a protocol to identify studies between January 2013 to January 2024 using six databases. Collated literature was analysed using content analysis to identify themes.

RESULTS

52 relevant studies were identified for inclusion. Studies focused predominantly on evaluating accuracy, education, perceptions, and new initiatives. Themes identified a developing role in the use of PCE internationally, perhaps more than in the UK, and in a range of modalities and clinical settings though projectional radiography remains the mainstay. Barriers and drivers to the use of PCE were identified in addition to some quality mechanisms used to support PCE implementation, though impact of implementation was not well explored.

CONCLUSION

Considering PCE has been an aspiration for more than a decade, it remains relatively infrequently researched. There is growing scope internationally, particularly in Australia, yet there is no real evaluation of the impact and role that PCE may have.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Until further research into the potential impact of PCE and barriers to its implementation, it is likely practices may not evolve with the risk AI technologies may supersede necessity for the practice.

A case study of the development of a videofluoroscopy service: Integration and collaboration between the speech & language therapy and radiographer teams

BACKGROUND

Videofluoroscopy (VFSS) is a dynamic fluoroscopic examination of swallowing function to assess oropharyngeal dysphagia. In the United Kingdom (UK), this test is typically performed by a team of Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), radiologists and radiographers. While VFSS is undertaken across the UK, recent literature reflects wide variation in the procedure itself.

OBJECTIVES

The role of the advanced practitioner gastrointestinal (GI) radiographer within a VFSS service will be illustrated by the narrative description of a VFSS service in a large NHS teaching hospital in England. The paper compares the existing VFSS service against recent literature outlining national practice, with particular focus upon the growing role of the advanced practitioner GI radiographer. Existing pressures upon the National Health Service (NHS) are examined as contributing factors. Lastly, further plans to improve the clinic are delineated.

KEY FINDINGS

Recent literature shows a wide national variation in the running of VFSS services. Pertinently, the evidence suggests that radiologists are becoming progressively less involved in these clinics, with a move towards more practitioner-led services. The changes to the described VFSS service are in line with national trends, and the described clinic is an effective example of a practitioner-led service which fully utilises the role of the advanced practitioner GI radiographer.

CONCLUSION

This paper demonstrates that a practitioner-led service can benefit both patients and staff. Further improvement work is ongoing, with a particular need to involve service users and collect more meaningful outcome measures.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The growing move towards practitioner-led clinics is likely to continue. However, the wide variation in practice nationally and lack of consistent, recognised training that meets the needs of both SLT and radiographers, needs to be addressed.

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.