Unveiling the landscape: Investigating education, skills, job description, and challenges in sonography professions and framework development

INTRODUCTION

This paper discusses the current medical sonographer status in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The paper explores the current education, skills, job description, and challenges towards developing sonography professions and a sonographer framework.

METHODS

The study employed a quantitative descriptive research approach using a cross-sectional study design to collect and analyse data from sonographers in the UAE. Data was collected through a structured survey that included sections addressing demographic information, education, skills, current practices, and challenges.

RESULTS

The data showed a relatively even distribution across different age groups, with a higher proportion falling in the 31-40 age range. Females constitute a slightly higher percentage (55.9 %) than males (44.1 %). The study found that sonographers have the necessary skills and knowledge to interpret the scan results and provide a formal report. A significant percentage of participants taught ultrasound to others and participated in research activities. The survey responses indicate difficulty in reporting sonograms.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found that sonographers possess the necessary expertise and skills to pass on their knowledge to trainees and colleagues. The participants expressing a desire to increase their knowledge and skills indicate that sonographers recognised that continuous professional development is crucial for staying updated with advancements in the field. The participant's "Advanced Practitioners" title recommendation suggests a desire for professional recognition, career progression, and specialisations in sonography. Effective interdisciplinary collaboration is important for providing quality patient care.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

The paper emphasises the importance of recognising sonography as a vital healthcare profession. It aims to raise awareness about the crucial role of sonographers in patient care. The study also stresses the need for a well-defined career progression framework to guide professional growth and acknowledgement.

Patient satisfaction with radiology services in the UAE: A comprehensive analysis of care, comfort, service, and accessibility

INTRODUCTION

This paper analyses patient satisfaction with radiology services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study evaluates the care, comfort, service, and accessibility of the services and patient satisfaction with imaging procedures.

METHODS

The research design employed a descriptive, cross-sectional approach, and data were collected through a survey consisting of eight sections. A total of 444 participants completed the survey, providing valuable insights into their demographics, appointment experiences, waiting times, staff attitudes and overall satisfaction.

RESULTS

70.4% of the participants stated that it was easy to make appointments, and 66.1% stated that they were satisfied with the efficiency of check-ins. 54.9% felt they waited the right amount of time to make an appointment, and 56.1% were satisfied with the time waiting to receive the imaging report. The findings indicate that waiting times and staff attitudes significantly influence patient satisfaction, while demographic factors, such as nationality, education, and age, do not significantly impact them. The study concludes that healthcare providers should prioritise efficient appointment scheduling, reduce waiting times and foster positive patient-staff interactions to enhance patient satisfaction. The open-ended feedback provided by the participants also offers valuable suggestions for improving service quality.

CONCLUSION

This study is a foundation for future research and provides healthcare organisations with valuable insights to enhance patient satisfaction in UAE radiology services.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Healthcare providers should focus on patient satisfaction to improve retention and loyalty, attract new patients and enhance their reputation.

The impact of COVID-19 on the clinical experience and training of undergraduate Student radiographers internationally: The clinical tutors' perspective

Introduction

The impact on the clinical training and education of healthcare students by COVID-19 has been documented. However, the thoughts and experiences of clinical tutors (CTs) about radiography students attending for clinical training and education during this now elongated period beyond first recognition of the virus has not been explored. This paper will discuss data collected from CTs in the UK Devolved Nations (UKDN) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who were compared because of their similarities in delivery based on individual ‘rules of engagement’ devised by their various health departments.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical tutors' thoughts and experiences of supervising radiography students attending clinical placement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The UK Devolved Nations (UKDN) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were selected for comparison on an international level as they are geographically distinct with a comparable population and education accredited/acknowledged by the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR). Data was collected data from CTs across the UKDN and the UAE. The study used an online questionnaire (Google Forms) with closed questions in four themes including: students' experiences, impact on students' clinical placement, attitude of the clinical staff and the potential effects of COVID-19 on future graduates’ skills and competencies. Further data was gathered on the experience of CTs mentoring students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Data were collected from 59 CTs (81%, n = 48) from UKDN and (19%, n = 11) UAE. Twenty-seven (46%) respondents reported that COVID-19 had a negative impact on clinical practical experience. However, 32 (54%) identified that COVID-19 had no impact on student supervision/feedback or on clinical achievements. Eleven (19%) respondents thought that students should not have been on clinical placement during the pandemic but a further 51% (n = 30) were happy with the students on placement and expressed willingness to delegate work to students. Interestingly, 58% (n = 34) of CTs suggested that future graduates may need a longer preceptorship after they graduate due to receiving decreased clinical experience during the pandemic. Overall, 78% (n = 46) of respondents thought that students improved their clinical confidence by working directly with COVID-19 positive patients.

Conclusion

The current study has identified conflicting opinions across CTs in different clinical departments. Whilst some felt that students should not be in the hospital during the pandemic, others reported that working directly with COVID-19 patients had a positive impact on students as it improved their clinical confidence. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, CTs were able to provide direct clinical supervision and feedback to students on clinical placement throughout the pandemic. Nevertheless, future graduates may need a longer preceptorship period due to decreased clinical experience during the pandemic.

Implications for practice

Clinical placements should continue during subsequent COVID-19 waves of infection or future pandemics to ensure development of skills in resilience and adaptability. Underdeveloped skills due to a decreased range of examinations can be rectified when any wave of the infection subsides by providing tailored training based on individual student's needs.

The changing concept of radiographer's role in UAE: An analysis of radiologists' opinions and acceptance

INTRODUCTION

The role of radiographers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is currently focused on image acquisition. However, many advances have been made in different countries in recent years whereby radiographers who receive appropriate education and training, can provide image interpretation/reports. When implemented, this role development has enabled a more cost effective and efficient service delivery whilst relieving the burden off radiologists, allowing them to concentrate on more complex imaging examinations. This role development is commonplace in many countries but not in the UAE.

AIM

This study aims to investigate the radiologists' opinions, perceptions, and willingness to accept the advanced practice role of reporting radiographers in the UAE and determine their level of support for implementing these roles.

METHODS

Data was collected utilizing a mixed-methods study design that included a survey and focus group discussions (FGD). Study participants included radiologists who currently work in UAE public and private health organizations. The survey link was emailed directly to the radiologists, together with a covering letter and participants' information sheet outlining the study's aim. Participants indicated on the survey if they wanted to participate in FGD. Two online FGD were conducted using Zoom software (Zoom Video Communications Inc., San Jose, California, United States) and aimed to explore possible reasons for participant's opinions. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ministry of Health, and all methods were performed as per study protocol.

RESULTS

A total of 69 radiologists participated in the survey, 48 males and 21 females aged between 41 and 60 years and with between 11 and 16 years of experience. Most participants (n = 54, 78.2%) believe that radiographers should only perform advanced tasks in image interpretation after obtaining adequate training and under the supervision of a radiologist. According to 55% of radiologists, the development of the radiographer role could draw more UAE nationals to the field. Six participants were recruited to FGD and declared mixed opinions that emphasized the need to improve the radiographers knowledge and experience to enable role development.

CONCLUSION

Radiologists' worries about radiographer engagement in image interpretation may be alleviated if they participate in education and training for new responsibilities. In addition, this could boost the confidence of radiologists and improve trust in radiographer competency and training.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Guidelines and work standards must be developed jointly by radiologists and radiographers to ensure the governance and acceptability of new radiographer reporting roles. Some radiologists perceive that radiographer reporting is possible in UAE when radiographers are trained to set guidelines and with supervision from radiologists. Change is taking place, and many radiologists express optimism for the future, though the rate of change will be determined by a willingness to change attitudes and perceptions.

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.

Assessment of MRI technologists in acceptance and willingness to integrate artificial intelligence into practice

INTRODUCTION

The integration of AI in medical imaging has tremendous exponential growth, especially in image production, image processing and image interpretation. It is expected that radiographers working across all imaging modalities have adequate knowledge as they are part of the end-user team. The current study aimed to investigate the knowledge, willingness and challenges facing the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologists in the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into MRI practice.

METHODS

Total of 120 participants were recruited using a snowball sampling technique. A two-phase study was undertaken using survey and focus group discussion (FGD) to capture participants' knowledge, interpretations, needs and obstacles toward AI integrations in MRI practice. The survey and FGD provided the base to understand the participant's' knowledge, acceptance and needs for AI.

RESULTS

Results showed medium to high knowledge, excitement about AI integration without disturbance of MRI practice. Participants thought that AI can improve MRI protocol selection (91.8%), reduce the scan time (65.3%), and improve image post-processing (79.5%). Education and learning resources concerning AI were the main obstacles facing MRI technologists.

CONCLUSION

MRI technologists have the knowledge and possess basic technical information. The application of AI in MRI practice might greatly influence and improve MRI technologist's work. A structured and professional program should be integrated in both undergraduate and continuous education to prepare for effective AI implementation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Application of AI in MRI can be used in many aspects, such as optimize image quality and avoidance of image artifacts. Moreover, AI can play an important role in patient's safety at the MRI unit to reduce incidents. Education, infrastructure, and knowledge of end-users are keys for the incorporation of AI use, development and optimisation.

MEASUREMENTS OF RADIATION EXPOSURE OF RADIOGRAPHY STUDENTS DURING THEIR CLINICAL TRAINING USING THERMOLUMINESCENT DOSIMETRY

Radiation dose monitoring for radiography students during clinical training is necessary to demonstrate the extent of radiation protection issues present, as well as to instill in them an awareness of safe practices that they will carry with them throughout their careers. The study assess the radiation dose incurred by the undergraduate during clinical training. 312 students were monitored using (thermoluminescence dosimetry) between 2009 and 2015. The results establish that the radiation dose received by the students is well below the dose recommended by national and international authorities. Findings indicate that the dose did not reach the value of 1 mSv, which indicate that current radiation protection measures are acceptable and there was no risk of overexposure, as well as reinforces the importance of nuturing a culture of radiation protection and provides evidence to students that their future as professionals will be a safe one.