Reporting radiographers in Europe survey: Support, role satisfaction, and advanced clinical practice within the European federation of radiographer society (EFRS) member countries

An overview of radiography research and publication productivity in Denmark

OBJECTIVES

This paper presents the progress of publications with Danish radiographers in scientific journals. The objective was to gain an overview of research in radiography in Denmark by exploring how publications with radiographer involvement have evolved over time in Denmark. We conducted a literature search on February 20th 2024 to identify papers authored or co-authored by Danish radiographers over the past thirteen years. The papers were screened by two authors (JJ & MRVP) using the online tool Covidence. All identified authors affiliated to a Danish Department of Radiology were searched in the Danish healthcare authorization register. Articles with authors, who were registered as a radiographer, were included in the study. Information on publication year, title, journal, and impact factor, citations, and nationality of co-authors were extracted.

KEY FINDINGS

In total, 243 paper who had one or more Danish radiographers affiliated as an author were included encompassing 97 different Danish radiographers. The majority of the radiographers, 89, had published between 1 and 10 articles and the remainder 8 authors between 11 and 43 publications. We observed an increase in publications over time, indicating an increasing interest for involvement in research.

CONCLUSION

We found that the number of peer-review publications with involvement of at least one radiographer has increased markedly during the last decade although the majority of the publications were made by a small group of radiographers. The radiography research in Denmark is wide-ranging and provides impact within and outside radiology journals.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

The study demonstrates that professional development is on the rise in Denmark. However, it also underscores the need for a continued focus on the sustainability of radiographer-led research, as the majority of publications come from the contributions of eight radiographers.

Radiographer chest x-ray reporting in Scotland in 2023: An exploratory study into the attitudes and challenges concerning the development of a standardised, countrywide reporting service

BACKGROUND

The increasing backlog of chest x-ray (CXR) reports in Scotland is well documented, as is reporting radiographer's (RR) ability to provide a cost effective solution to this. Despite this, only 8 CXR RRs currently work in Scotland. This qualitative descriptive study will explore the perceived reasons for this lack of role development by investigating the relevant enablers and challenges.

METHOD

An 18 question survey was emailed to the members of the Reporting Radiographer Interest Group Scotland regarding the enablers and challenges surrounding CXR RR training and employment in Scotland. All Scotland based RRs were invited to contribute. The survey was live for approximately 6 weeks. Results were then thematically analysed.

RESULTS

The survey returned 14 respondents from 9 different health boards, 3 of which were CXR RRs. Currently no CXR RR training is currently ongoing in Scotland with only 1 of the responding health boards claiming they had a sufficient quota of CXR RRs. Five main themes have been uncovered: service development, monetary factors, a lack of support from management, workforce issues and Scottish geopolitical challenges.

CONCLUSION

This survey highlighted a desire for further CXR RR training from the current Scottish RR cohort however there was a lack of confidence that this would be facilitated. Resistance from MSK RRs to expand their scope of practice was also noted.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

It is recommended that the Scottish government increases engagement with the CXR RR service to better tackle historical biases, address infrastructural issues and provide further funding for future training and posts. Further research is also required into the evolving attitudes of managers and radiologists towards CXR RRs as is concerns RRs have over up-skilling to better facilitate workforce development.

Advanced practice among diagnostic radiographers - An international survey

INTRODUCTION

As the global healthcare system evolves, diagnostic radiographers (DRs) are taking on advanced roles, constituting advanced radiography practice. This study explored the definition of ARP tasks among DRs, radiology department managers (RDMs), and National Society Officers (NSOs) on a global scale.

METHODS

Data collection was obtained via a self-developed online survey administered via email and social media to DRs, RDMs, and NSOs. The survey sought to collect demographic data, insights into definition of ARP tasks, and perceptions regarding global practice.

RESULTS

206 respondents from 25 countries participated, predominantly from Norway (n = 77), Australia (n = 34), and Portugal (n = 20). 71.7 % of DR respondents defined teaching as ARP task, while RDMs (74.2) and NSOs (88.8 %) identified approving image quality independently as ARP. 53.4 % of DRs perceived their practice as ARP-aligned, with awareness reported by 44.8 % of DRs, 66.7 % of RDMs, and 77.8 % of NSOs.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a clearer understanding of the task respondents consider ARP and the extent to which it is practiced, whereas DRs are increasingly performing advanced tasks globally. Clarifying ARP tasks in the workplace will promote a common understanding of the role and foster support for its establishment in diagnostic radiography. Further research is required to gather a more comprehensive international perspective on ARP tasks, especially given the limitations of this study, as well as the limited responses from the Americas and African regions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Clear definitions of ARP tasks are necessary for seamless integration of ARP into current practices. Additionally, advocating for official recognition, and global acknowledgement by the profession and key stakeholders are imperative for DRs to fully develop in these areas.

Reporting radiographers within the European Federation of Radiographer Society (EFRS) member countries - motivation for becoming a reporting radiographer

INTRODUCTION

Radiographer-led reporting originated in the United Kingdom as a strategy to reduce reporting backlog and time taken to report images. The effectiveness of reporting radiographers has been demonstrated, but their motivational factors have not been thoroughly explored. This survey aims to understand the incentives for radiographers to pursue postgraduate education in reporting radiography across Europe.

METHODS

An online survey was conducted, collecting data across a range of topics such as demographic information, professional role, and job satisfaction. Questions assessing the influence of motivational factors on the decision to become a reporting radiographer are presented in this study. Descriptive statistics characterized the respondents' demographics. The motivational aspects were analysed quantitatively by regression analyses. Thematic analyses were performed for the free text responses on motivational aspects.

RESULTS

239 respondents from the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands, Ireland, and Malta completed the survey's motivation section. Increased knowledge and new challenges were the most motivating factors for becoming a reporting radiographer, while less exposure to radiation and less patient contact were the least motivating factors. Job satisfaction was a significant motivator. Gender significantly correlated with the importance of social connections for female reporting radiographers. A cross-country comparison showed that title and position and job security were more important for reporting radiographers from the UK.

CONCLUSION

Taking in consideration that a sample of 239 is not generalisable for the role, this survey does provides insights into the motivation behind being a reporting radiographer in Europe. Factors such as increased knowledge, new challenges, and job satisfaction play significant roles. Hindrances experienced by reporting radiographers included lack of time, support, and standards, while aspirations for further professional development were expressed.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

A thorough understanding of the motivation behind pursuing postgraduate studies in reporting radiography is a valuable tool for managers, aiding in fostering a positive work environment and attracting/keeping qualified personnel. The findings of this study can be employed in the development of strategies to support and enhance the practice of reporting radiographers.