Implementing a holistic approach to a radiographer-led Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) service: A review of impact and patient perception

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.

Development of a mobile training app to assist radiographers’ diagnostic assessments

The current study reduced the time lag between performing a diagnostic assessment and identifying a critical finding in CT and MRI exams through improving radiographers’ abilities to identify those critical findings. Radiographers’ diagnostic assessments in CT and MRI exams were used to develop a mobile training application with the aim to improve radiographers’ awareness of critical findings. The current research used data analytics to examine radiographers’ interpretation of imaging studies from a privately owned medical group in Israel. During the project, the radiographers’ ability to identify critical findings improved. Implementation of the mobile training program yielded positive results where the knowledge gap was reduced and time to identify critical cases was decreased. Specifically, this study showed that radiographers can be trained in ways that enhance their involvement with radiologists to provide high quality services and improve treatment Ultimately, this gives patients higher quality of care and safer treatment.