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.

No / Awareness is growing of the importance of patient centered care (PCC) in diagnostic radiography. PCC is embedded within professional body publications and guidance documents, but there is limited research evidence exploring the perceptions of student radiographers and radiography academics. Methods: This paper reports Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the project from the perspective of radiography academic and student radiographer participants, and compares these to the perspectives of service users, clinical radiographers and radiography managers reported previously. Stage 1 used an online survey tool to gauge participant agreement with a series of attitudinal statements. Stage 2 used situational vignettes to promote discussion and debate about PCC approaches. Results: Response rates to the Stage 1 survey were above the minimum threshold, with 50 responses from student radiographers and 38 responses from radiography academics. Stage 1 participants were asked to participate in Stage 2 on a voluntary basis. As with service users and service deliverers, care communication, event interactions and control over environment were the key influences on PCC. However, students highlighted differences between reported and observed levels of PCC. Conclusion: There is some way to go to embed PCC in diagnostic radiography practice. As impartial observers of radiography practice, student radiographers highlight the difference between service users and service deliverer's perceptions of PCC. Whilst the focus of clinical radiographers remains on efficiency, it is difficult for student radiographers to challenge the accepted norm. Role models are required to promote PCC behaviours and a holistic approach in radiography practice. Implications for practice: A package of educational support and audit tools will be made available to support both service deliverers and student radiographers to deliver PCC

Bakgrund: Transpersoner är en utsatt patientgrupp inom sjukvården, vilket även inkluderar röntgenavdelningar. Ofta finns det brister i bemötandet av patientgruppen då de blir utsatta för diskrimineringar och kränkningar vilket resulterar i att färre transpersoner väljer att söka fortsatt vård. En ökad förståelse för patientgruppens problem behövs för att främja god vård.   Syfte: Syftet med studien var att belysa transpersoners erfarenhet av bemötande inom vården.   Metod: En litteraturstudie bestående av resultaten från åtta kvalitativa studier genomfördes. Artiklarna söktes fram via PubMed och CINAHL. Artiklarna kvalitetsgranskades varefter deras resultat analyserades och sammanställdes.   Resultat: Tre huvudteman och sju underteman identifierades. De tre huvudtemana var En känsla av utsatthet, Träffa på okunskap samt Vilja bli respekterad. Resultatet visade på flertalet negativa känslor och upplevelser av bemötande från sjukvårdspersonal, men att detta kunde minskas när sjukvårdspersonalen visade på respekt, ärlighet och öppenhet.   Konklusion: Sjukvårdspersonal har ofta bristande kompetens om transpersoners vårdbehov. Röntgensjuksköterskan har en stor möjlighet att förbättra transpersoners upplevelser under röntgenundersökningar genom att visa respekt och öppenhet. Genom att öka sin kompetens inom bemötande av transpersoner samt få en bättre förståelse för deras specifika vårdbehov kan röntgensjuksköterskan skapa en bättre vård för patientgruppen och undvika att de undviker vård i framtiden. / Background: Transgender people are a vulnerable patient group within healthcare, which includes radiology departments. Transgender people are met by discriminating behavior from healthcare professionals which results in a reduced chance of seeking future care. An increased understanding of this patient group’s struggles is needed to facilitate good care.   Aim: The aim of this study was to describe transgender people’s experiences of interacting with healthcare staff and systems.   Methods: A literature review was conducted based on eight qualitative studies. Database searches were performed in PubMed and CINAHL. The studies were quality checked after which their results were analyzed and compiled.   Results: Three main themes and seven subthemes were identified; A Feeling of Vulnerability, Being Met with a Lack of Knowledge, and Wanting to Be Respected. The result described different aspects of interactions with healthcare professionals that were deemed as negative and caused gender dysphoria, although this could be avoided when the healthcare professional showed respect, honesty and openness.   Conclusion: Healthcare professionals often have a limited competency regarding the healthcare needs of transgender people. The radiographer can improve the healthcare experience of transgender people by showing respect and openness. The radiographer can improve transgender people’s healthcare experiences by increasing their competency relating to interacting with transgender patients and attaining a better understanding of their specific healthcare needs, leading to less of them avoiding healthcare in the future.

Thesis (MPH. ) --University of Limpopo, 2014 / This dissertation reports on findings from a qualitative research that sought to investigate adherence and compliance to radiation safety protocols by radiographers and dental professionals in the Waterberg District. The study also sought to determine the knowledge the participants had on the chronic ill-effects of occupational exposure to radiation, safety protocols and their professional experience in dealing with occupational exposure to radiation. Altogether 60 participants from 8 health institutions in the Waterberg district took part in the study. They were compromised of males and females with ages ranging from 22-60 years. The response rate was 75% (n=45/60). The empirical data of the study shows a consistent yet disconcerting pattern among practitioners about safety compliance, safety protocols and their understanding of long term effect of occupational exposure to radiation. Despite their impressive knowledge of X-rays being a source of ionizing radiation, the level of their understanding of ill-effects thereof was of great concern. The general failure by both professionals in complying with the most basic safety protocols is worrisome. In a nutshell, yet some of the practitioners were found to be greatly exposed to radiation, their daily practices were found not consistent with procedures dictated by the guidelines on the use of medical X-ray equipment. Overall, only 59% of radiographers always wore their dosimeters, a basic monitoring and protective tool to measure their radiation exposure. In the study, only 38% of the dentists were found to be compliant and overwhelmingly alluded this to their employers being unable to supply them with crucial protective clothing, a finding that the researcher cannot dispute as indicated in the responses by the two groups. The failure of the employer in enforcing monitoring and assuring safety to the employees, patients and the general public emerged from this study. Various non-compliance patterns could be attributed to the participants and others to the employer. Protocols as clearly stipulated in R1332 of Hazardous Substance Act 15 of 1973 and other guidelines are not adhered to.

Literature has shown the importance of lifelong learning in the training of today's workforce and the crucial role of Higher Education in preparing graduates for lifelong learning. The aim of the current study is to establish the profile of Medical Radiation Science (MRS) practitioners as lifelong learners and to examine the implications of these findings for MRS undergraduate programs in Australia. The study builds on Candy et. al.'s 1994 report, Developing Lifelong Learners through Undergraduate Education, by drawing on the report's profile of lifelong learners and the features of the undergraduate program that promote lifelong learning. This present study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including collating the stakeholders' views on lifelong learning via surveys, one-to-one interviews and focus group discussion.Findings from this study indicate that all stakeholders (MRS practitioners, Heads of MRS Departments, students and teaching staff) viewed lifelong learning to be relevant to the profession and are important attributes for MRS practitioners to attain. However, attributes that were directly related to clinical competencies were more highly valued than attributes which were perceived to be associated with learning competencies. For each of the 25 attributes surveyed, the actual level of attainment fell below the nominated level of importance. Furthermore, the workplace culture was found to be non-supportive of lifelong learning. All MRS courses in Australia promote lifelong learning as one of their course objectives. There is a general trend towards adopting teaching approaches that promote lifelong learning, while assessment methods that promote and evaluate lifelong learning attributes were lagging behind.These findings have implications for both the MRS workplace and the MRS undergraduate courses in Australia. There needs to be greater ++ / dialogue and collaboration between the MRS employers and the universities to address the gap identified in the attributes. A conceptual model integrating lifelong learning in the context of MRS has been introduced to circumnavigate the predicament felt by most respondents that clinical competency must take precedence over all other attributes. Selection criteria by employers for graduates who are entering the workplace for the first time serve as the vital link between the workplace and the universities. By incorporating lifelong learning attributes as an essential part of the selection criteria, students would come to see the relevance of lifelong learning in their undergraduate training. A learning portfolio can be used as a means of demonstrating that the appropriate learning has taken place. There needs to be a closer link between teaching and assessment by aligning the teaching of lifelong learning objectives and activities with the assessment methods. To this end, it is important that teaching staff must be provided with the appropriate professional support to cultivate lifelong learning attributes and to equip them with the appropriate facilitation skills, before the lecturers can be expected to adopt lifelong learning approaches. This research provides a snapshot of lifelong learning in the MRS profession and should assist in the implementation of lifelong learning strategies that would direct the future of the profession.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to describe the process of learning to perform plain x-ray examinations, and to interpret the learning culture during radiography students’ studies. The aim was to understand how the students learned. Learning was understood as being collaborative and was examined from the perspective of interpretive ethnography. The data were collected during 2004‒2007 from documents, interviews and by observing 17 radiography students as they studied the theory of plain x-ray examinations, performed lab exercises and completed their practical training. The data were analysed using the constant comparison method. A model of the process of learning to perform plain x-ray examinations was created from the results. Based on the results, different learning views prevailed in the contexts of learning how to perform plain x-ray examinations. These governed the formation of five different learning styles, where the link between theory and practice gained different meanings and the learning outcomes varied. In academic studies, learning took place through acquisition of basic professional knowledge. In lab exercises, the students learned by model-based experimentation. In practical training, learning took the form of progress towards expertise through collaboration, active solo work, and working in the background, following instructions. The styles and outcomes of learning were both supported and impeded by factors dependent on the learning contexts and the students. The process of learning to perform plain x-ray examinations was governed by a learning culture that required the ability to interpret and adapt to the learning contexts. Students needed to identify the learning views that prevailed in the learning contexts and adjust their learning style accordingly. It can be concluded that the learning culture provided a varying degree of support to the students' progress towards expertise as they learned to perform plain x-ray examinations. The study produced new information on the learning of health care students from the socio-cultural viewpoint. The results can be exploited when developing the curriculum and the collaboration between Universities of Applied Sciences and trainee job providers towards cooperative learning. Future studies should focus on the learning culture of professional radiographers to develop the education and the field. / Tiivistelmä Tämän tutkimuksen tarkoituksena oli kuvata natiivitutkimusten oppimista ja tulkita oppimisen oppimiskulttuuria röntgenhoitajaopiskelijoiden opinnoissa. Tutkimuksen tavoitteena oli ymmärtää opiskelijoiden oppimista. Oppiminen ymmärrettiin yhteisölliseksi ja sitä tutkittiin tulkinnallisen etnografian avulla. Tutkimusaineisto tuotettiin vuosien 2004–2007 aikana 17 röntgenhoitajaopiskelijan natiivitutkimusten teoriaopintojen, laboraatioharjoittelun ja harjoittelun havainnoinnista, kirjallisista dokumenteista ja haastatteluista. Aineisto analysoitiin jatkuvan vertailun menetelmällä. Tuloksista muodostettiin malli natiivitutkimusten oppimisesta. Tulosten mukaan natiivitutkimusten oppimisen oppimiskonteksteissa vallitsivat erilaiset oppimisnäkemykset. Nämä ohjasivat viiden erilaisen oppimistavan muodostumiseen, joissa teorian ja käytännön välinen yhteys sai erilaisia merkityksiä ja oppimisen tulokset vaihtelivat. Teoriaopinnoissa oppiminen tapahtui ammatillista tietoperustaa omaksuen. Laboraatioharjoittelussa oppiminen eteni oppimisena mallin mukaan kokeillen. Harjoittelussa oppiminen ilmeni oppimisena kohti asiantuntijuutta yhdessä toimien, aktiivisuutta osoittaen yksin toimien ja ohjeita noudattaen taustalla toimien. Oppimistapoja ja oppimisen lopputuloksia tukivat ja estivät oppimiskonteksteista ja opiskelijoista johtuvat tekijät. Natiivitutkimusten oppimista ohjasi oppimiskontekstin tulkintakykyä ja siihen mukautumista edellyttävä oppimiskulttuuri. Opiskelijan oli tunnistettava oppimiskontekstien oppimisnäkemykset ja muokattava oppiminen niiden mukaiseksi. Tulosten mukaan johtopäätöksenä voidaan todeta, että oppimiskulttuuri tuki vaihtelevasti opiskelijan asiantuntijuuteen kasvua natiivitutkimuksia opiskeltaessa. Tutkimus tuotti uutta tietoa terveysalan opinnoissa oppimisesta sosiokulttuurisesta näkökulmasta. Tuloksia voidaan hyödyntää opetussuunnitelman sekä ammattikorkeakoulun ja harjoittelupaikkojen välisen yhteistyön kehittämisessä kohti yhteistoiminnallista oppimista. Jatkossa on syytä tutkia työssä olevien röntgenhoitajien oppimiskulttuuria koulutuksen ja alan kehittämiseksi.

Bakgrund: Den snabba spridningen av COVID-19 viruset har inneburit förändringar i röntgensjuksköterskors arbetsmiljö, men det finns inte många studier kring röntgensjuksköterskans arbetsmiljö under en pandemi.  Syfte: Studiens syfte var att belysa hur röntgensjuksköterskor upplever sin arbetsmiljö under pågående pandemi. Metod: En kvalitativ forskningsmetod användes i denna studie och data samlades in via en enkätundersökning. Urvalet var riktad till röntgensjuksköterskor som urvalsgrupp. Enkäterna (n=100) distribuerades ut på två universitetssjukhus i två olika län. Totalt 58 (universitetssjukhus A=30 och universitetssjukhus B=28) röntgensjuksköterskor svarade på enkäterna.  Resultat: Arbetsbelastningen har ökat i samband med pandemin, men röntgensjuksköterskor beskrev situationen som hanterbar. Att få information och stöd från sin arbetsgivare ansågs vara viktiga trygghetsaspekter för röntgensjuksköterskorna.  Fler röntgensjuksköterskor på universitetssjukhus B hade fått obekväma arbetstider på grund av personalbrist jämfört med röntgensjuksköterskor på universitetssjukhus A. Totalt 46 (79,3%) röntgensjuksköterskor från både universitetssjukhus A och B upplevde att deras arbetsmiljö hade påverkats under pandemin på ett negativt sätt.  Faktorerna som påverkade röntgensjuksköterskornas arbetsmiljö mest var: 1) de var oroliga över att bli smittade och föra smittan vidare till andra, 2) kände sig mer stressade och 3) de var trötta och slitna på grund av att de inte kunde återhämta sig helt.  Slutsats: Generellt upplevde röntgensjuksköterskor att pandemin har påverkat deras arbetsmiljö på ett negativt sätt. Vidare studier behövs för ta reda på hur arbetsrutiner kan förbättras samt hur bättre beredskap skulle kunna spela en viktig roll i röntgensjuksköterskans arbetsmiljö. / Background: The rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus has led to changes in the radiographer’s work environment, but there are not many studies regarding radiographers work environment during a pandemic. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to find out how radiographers experience their work environment during the pandemic. Method: A qualitative research method was used in this study and data were collected via a questionnaire. The selection was aimed at radiographers as a group. The questionnaires (n=100) were distributed to two university hospital in two different counties. A total of 58 (hospital A=30 and hospital B=28) radiographers responded to the questionnaires. Results: The workload increased during the pandemic, but radiographers considered the situation manageable. Receiving information and support from their employer was considered an important safety aspect. Several of the radiographers at hospital B had uncomfortable working hours due to the staff shortage, compared with radiographers at hospital A. A total of 46 (79,3%) radiographers from both hospital A and B experienced that the work environment had been negatively affected during the pandemic. Factors that affected radiographers mostly: 1) they were worried about becoming infected and spreading the infection, 2) they felt more stressed and 3) they were tired because they could not fully recover. Conclusion: In general, radiographers felt that the pandemic had a negative effect on the work environment. Further studies are necessary to find out how the work routines can improve and how better preparedness could play an important role in the radiographer’s work environment.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Health Sciences in Radiography, Durban University of Technology, 2017. / Background The current scope of practice for diagnostic radiographers, does not allow them to administer intravenous contrast media (IVCM) since there are no formal training guidelines accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) (Koch 2014: 26). In selected countries abroad, radiographers are allowed to administer IVCM and have thus received the necessary and accredited training to do so. In view of this, the South African radiographer’s scope of practice is not on par with the selected countries. The radiologists in South Africa (SA) who are currently responsible for the administration of IVCM have issued a position statement which supports, in principle, the idea of radiographers administering IVCM should they receive the necessary and appropriate training to do so (RSSA 2011: 1-2). The aim of this research study was, therefore, to investigate the radiologists’ perspectives regarding the theoretical knowledge, clinical competencies and medico legal responsibilities required by radiographers in order to effectively administer IVCM. This research study provides input for the development of national training guidelines for radiographers to administer IVCM. Research Methodology A quantitative, descriptive study was conducted by targeting qualified radiologists residing and practicing within the province of KwaZulu Natal (KZN). Ethical approval was obtained from the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Institutional Research and Ethics Committee (IREC). All the participants were contacted in their personal capacity. The research tool was an online survey administered through SurveyMonkey which included questions and statements relating to the administration of IVCM and was structured so as to meet the study objectives. The research tool was evaluated and amended by an expert focus group to ensure reliability and validity. Confidentiality was maintained and all the data obtained during this research study was password protected. Results and discussion Fifty-nine radiologists (60.8 percent) participated in this study. Twelve respondents, however, were excluded due to incomplete surveys. The final response rate, therefore, was 48.5 percent (n=47) of which 72.3 percent of the respondents were from the private sector. Results illustrated the radiologists’ agreement regarding the theoretical, clinical/practical and medico legal training components for inclusion in the further training of radiographers to administer IVCM. Most respondents supported the inclusion of three assessments: theoretical (87.2 percent), clinical (93.6 percent) and a record of clinical competencies (95.7 percent). The assessments were considered equally important in terms of percentage weighting. The overall results compared favorably to the current international trends and practice standards of radiographers administering IVCM. Conclusion and Recommendations The study, in providing key data for the development of training guidelines for radiographers to administer IVCM, has demonstrated the importance of higher education (HE) and training in addressing transformation in health services with particular reference to professional scopes of practice. Furthermore, it reinforces the need for local research that will inform HE and training and hence a scope of practice that meets local needs. It was recommended that future studies should include those HE institutions offering training in Radiography as well as their stakeholders for the design and transformation of a national curriculum for radiographers to administer IVCM. / M