D.Tech. (Radiography) / Therapy radiographers generally start their careers excited to be part of a medical environment and enthusiastic about the rapid technological advancement that they can envisage being a part of. Typically, in an oncology setting, a naive enthusiasm for helping patients with cancer rapidly spirals into disillusionment as the stress of working in a profession with no room for error and little opportunity for career advancement takes its toll. Radiography literature has focused on identifying problems such as stress, burnout and a lack of organisational commitment without any constructive attempt to look for the positive attributes of the profession that could assist therapy radiographers to achieve professional or personal wholeness (Akroyd, Caison & Adams, 2002:818; Rutter & Lovegrove, 2008:140; Makanjee, Hartzer & Uys, 2006: 121; Probst & Griffiths, 2007:22). The purpose of this theory generating study was to describe the process of being a therapy radiographer in an oncology department of a tertiary hospital in Gauteng. This served as the basis for the development of a model to facilitate wholeness as part of a professional identity for therapy radiographers. The study utilised a qualitative theory generating research design, using appreciative inquiry to identify a central concept for the model development. The philosophy of science that guided the research design was that of a post-modern constructivist paradigm. The population for the research were the therapy radiographers employed at a Radiation Oncology Department in a tertiary hospital in Gauteng. Purposeful sampling was used to select participants. Data collection utilised focus group interviews employing an appreciative enquiry interview technique and reflective field notes were taken during and after each focus group interview. Data analysis was conducted by means of open coding as described by Creswell (2003:190-195). The central concept was defined by identifying central criteria by means of a dictionary and subject literature. The concepts identified were written into relationship statements in order to develop a preliminary conceptual model as the framework for the research. A conceptual model was developed using Chinn and Kramer’s (2011: 152-205) process for empiric knowledge development. Guidelines to operationalize the model were described to assist the clinical application of the model in a radiotherapy setting. The model was evaluated by means of critical reflection.

No description available.

M.Tech. / To ensure that effective management development and training is incorporated in managerial training programmes, it is imperative that an analysis is undertaken to ascertain what skill gaps exist. The aim of the study was to survey the management expertise of Radiographers in management positions. Reference was made to identify specific skill gaps, and skill gap opportunities. The study also intended to determine whether specific trends existed in certain sectors of the public, private and mining health sector. The first part of the study consisted of a postal questionnaire. A total of two hundred and fifteen Radiographers in management positions from the public, private and mining hospitals in the Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga regions of South Africa were chosen for the study. The sample population was then contacted telephonically before the postal questionnaire commenced. An outline of what the research entailed was explained to each participant. The results were statistically analysed from a total of sixty-three technically correct questionnaires received. The findings were summarised by means of using descriptive statistics. Statistical analysis of the received data validated that management, interpersonal and leadership skills were shown to be lacking in all three sectors. These skills, according to all of the three sectors, required both reinforcing and developing. Skills of least importance which did not require reinforcing or developing included work roster strategy, recruitment strategy and tendering skills. The results obtained from the postal questionnaire were re-tested by means of a structured interview involving thirty Radiographers in management positions from the same regions to that of the postal questionnaire. Once the data had been compiled, descriptive statistics were again employed to summarise the findings. Participants expressed an interest in developing managerial skills relating to laws and regulations, conflict resolution, interpersonal skills and financial management. The findings of the research supported and acknowledged that, in order for competent managers and leaders to be trained and developed in the field of Radiography, a planned and purposeful approach should be adopted where skills gaps are analysed and focused upon.

No description available.

Radiographers and other healthcare professionals are becoming increasingly involved in radiological reporting, for instance plain radiographs, mammography and ultrasound. Systematic reviews of research evidence can help to assimilate a knowledge base by ordering and evaluating the available evidence on the reporting accuracy of different professional groups. This article reviews the biases that can undermine the results of plain ¿lm reading performance studies. These biases are subdivided into three categories. The ¿rst category refers to the selection of subjects, including both ¿lms and professionals, and covers the validity of generalizing results beyond the study population. The other two categories are concerned with study design and the interpretation both of ¿lms and of reports and the effect on study validity. An understanding of these biases is essential when designing such studies and when interpreting the results of existing studies.

The objectives of this paper are to raise awareness of the methodological standards that can affect the quality of radiographer plain-film reading performance studies and to determine the frequency with which these standards are fulfilled. Multiple search methods identified 30 such studies from between 1971 and the end of June 1999. The percentage of studies that fulfilled criteria for the 10 methodological standards were as follows. (1) Performance of a sample size calculation, 3%; (2) definition of a normal and abnormal report, 97%; (3) description of the sequence of events through which films passed before reporting, 94%; (4) analysis of individual groups of observers within a combination of groups, 50% (5) appropriate choice of reference standard, 80%; (6) appropriate choice of arbiter, 57%; (7) appropriate use of a control, 22%; (8) analysis of pertinent clinical subgroups, e.g. body areas, patient type, 44%; (9) availability of data for re-calculation, 59%; and (10) presentation of indeterminate results, 69%. These findings indicate variation in the application of the methodological standards to studies of radiographer's film reading performance. Careful consideration of these standards is an essential component of study quality and hence the validity of the evidence base used to underpin radiographic reporting policy.

AIM: To determine the accuracy of radiographers red dot or triage of accident and emergency (A&E) radiographs in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eligible studies assessed radiographers red dot or triage of A&E radiographs in clinical practice compared with a reference standard and provided accuracy data to construct 2×2 tables. Data were extracted on study eligibility and characteristics, quality, and accuracy. Pooled sensitivities and specificities and chi-square tests of heterogeneity were calculated. RESULT Three red dot and five triage studies were eligible for inclusion. Radiographers' red dot of A&E radiographs in clinical practice compared with a reference standard is 0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85¿0.89] and 0.92 (0.91¿0.93) sensitivity and specificity, respectively. Radiographers' triage of A&E radiographs of the skeleton is 0.90 (0.89¿0.92) and 0.94 (0.93¿0.94) sensitivity and specificity, respectively; and for chest and abdomen is 0.78 (0.74¿0.82) and 0.91 (0.88¿0.93). Radiographers' red dot of skeletal A&E radiographs without training is 0.71 (0.62¿0.79) and 0.96 (0.93¿0.97) sensitivity and specificity, respectively; and with training is 0.81 (0.72¿0.87) and 0.95 (0.93¿0.97). Pooled sensitivity and specificity for radiographers without training for the triage of skeletal A&E radiographs is 0.89 (0.88¿0.91) and 0.93 (0.92¿0.94); and with training is 0.91 (0.88¿0.94) and 0.95 (0.93¿0.96). CONCLUSION Radiographers red dot or triage of A&E radiographs in clinical practice is affected by body area, but not by training.

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is a method by means of which radiographers and other health care professionals can systematically maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge and skills. Chances are that mandatory CPE will be introduced for South African radiographers by the year 200t. For this reason it was decided to undertake a needs assessment survey of Free State Province diagnostic radiographers. The aim of this study wasto assess the perceived needs of Free State Province radiographers. In this way adults, as consumers of CPE, were involved in the planning process. Results obtained from the needs assessment provide valuable information to providers of CPE activities. With the aid of the results, providers can plan activities responsibly, which will satisfy their target population. The needs assessment was done by means of a maH-administered questionnaire-, and a response rate of 58% was obtained. Data analyses showed that most of the radiographers were employed in small x-ray departments and, due to this fact, experienced constraints regarding CPE participation. Constraints such as staff shortages and a lack of backup staff were identified. New developments-in radiography, management skills, computer skills and UUrasound were tbe topic areas indicated by the highest percentage of respondents as high level of need areas. Flexible learning strategies- with adequate support mechanisms must be developed. In order to provide high-quality CPE activities, all stakeholders, such as the Technikon Free State, the Society of Radiographers, the employers- and the radiographers, must share the- respon-sibHity of CPE. The study showed that close co-operation between stakeholders is essential to the success of CPE in the Free- State Province, / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Voortgesette Professionele Onderwys (VPO) is 'n strategie wat radiograwe en ánder protessionele gesondheidsorgwerkers in staat stelom hulle kennis en vaardighede sistematies in stand te hou, te verbeter en uit te brei. Die-moonUikheid Destaan dat Suid-Afrikaanse radiograwe teen die jaar 2001 verplig sal word om aan VPO deel te neem. Om hierdie rede is daar besluit om 'n behoeftebepalingsopname van die- diagnastiese radiograwe in die Vrystaat Provinsie te doen. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die behoeftes van die Vrystaat Provinsie se radiograwe-, soos deur hulle self geïdentifiseer, te bepaal. Op hierdie manier kon radiograwe, as verbruikers van VPO, by die beplanningsproses betrek word. Die- resultate- van die behoeftebepalingsopname wat bekom is, bevat waardevolle inligting vir verskaffers van VPO-aktiwiteite. Met behulp van die resultate sal verskaffers van VPO-aktfwiteite wat hulle-teikengroep se- behoeftes sal bevredig, met verantwoordelikheid kan beplan. Die behoeftebepaling is met behulp van pos- vraelyste gedoen. 'n Respons van 58% is verkry. Data-ontleding het getoon dat die meeste van die radiograwe werksaam was in klein x-straaldepartemente wat gevolglik bygedra het dat hulle beperkinge met betrekking tot VPObetrokkenheid ervaar het. Ander struikelblokke soos personeeltekorte en 'n gebrek aan aflospersoneel is geïdentifiseer. Nuwe ontwikkelinge- in radiografie, bestuursvaardighede, rekenaarvaardighede en Ultraklank is deur die grootste persentasie respondente as die areas waarin die grootste behoefte bestaan, geïdentifiseer. Buigsame leerstrategieë met toereikende ondersteuningsmeganismes moet ontwikkel word. Om hoë gehalte VPO-aktiwiteite te verskaf moet alle- belangegroepe, onder andere- die Technikon Vrystaat, die Vereniging van Radiograwe, die werkgewers en die radiograwe self gesamentlik die verantwoordelikheid vir VPO deel. Die- studie- toon dat noue samewerking tussen belangegroepe noodsaaklik is vir die sukses van VPO in die Vrystaat Provinsie.

Purpose To raise awareness of the frequency of bias that can affect the quality of radiographer plain film reading performance studies. Methods Studies that assessed radiographer(s) plain film reading performance were located by searching electronic databases and grey literature, hand-searching journals, personal communication and scanning reference lists. Thirty studies were judged eligible from all data sources. Results A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrates no statistically significant difference (P=0.25) in the mean proportion of biases present from diagnostic accuracy (0.37), performance (0.42) and outcome (0.44) study designs. Pearson¿s correlation coefficient showed no statistically significant linear association between the proportion of biases present for the three different study designs and the year that the study was performed. The frequency of biases in film and observer selection and application of the reference standard was quite low. In contrast, many biases were present concerning independence of film reporting and comparison of reports for concordance. Conclusions The findings indicate variation in the presence of bias in radiographer plain film reading performance studies. The careful consideration of bias is an essential component of study quality and hence the validity of the evidence-base used to underpin radiographic reporting policy.

No / In the face of growing demand in radiology, skill mix initiatives have sought to improve and expand service provision. Within the UK radiographer reporting is now widespread, although the growth in computerised tomography (CT) head reporting has not been as rapid as anticipated. The literature in this area is limited, but case studies have highlighted the successful implementation of this training through new radiographer roles in practice. Method A cross-sectional survey was developed to elicit information from radiographers and managers on their experiences before, during and after post-graduate training in CT head reporting. Results Seventy one responses were received comprising 48 past students (n = 48/111; 43.2%) and 23 service managers (n = 23/67; 34.3%). Key factors for the development were personal continual professional development for students and departmental need for managers. Challenges during training included a lack of study time due to staff shortages and access to radiologist mentors. Only 48.8% of students responding have gone on to use the new skills in practice cited reasons include staff shortages, resistance from radiologists and increase in radiological staffing. Conclusions This qualitative study has demonstrated that those trusts who have implemented CT head reporting have evidenced perceptible benefits for both the department and individuals. Those radiographers who are successfully reporting have shown themselves to be highly motivated and persistent in their development.