The uptake of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by Ghanaian radiographers

Continuing professional development (CPD) currently gains a priority within healthcare professions all over the globe. It is playing important roles in achieving improved quality care delivery. Healthcare practitioners are expected to continuously undertake CPD to maintain, enhance and improve quality of service delivery to meet the consumers’ expectations. CPD offers practitioners the opportunity to retain and enhance the basic knowledge and skills through their working life; thus enhancing competency within one’s professional range of practice.In Ghana, awareness of CPD participation has not been created among healthcare practitioners to enable them engage in effective CPD activities in order to improve their knowledge and skills.

Purpose

To examine the level of radiographers’ participation in CPD activities in Ghana.

Method

A 21-item questionnaire was constructed to collect data from 80 participants drawn from among radiographers currently practising in the radiology/X-ray departments of the ten regional hospitals in Ghana. The questionnaire comprised of 3 sections: demographics, CPD and education specific sections. Out of 80 questionnaires administered, 42 were completed and returned representing 52.5%. Out of the percentage, 74% were males and 26% females.The findings highlight that majority (44%) of the participants are currently within the age group of 31–40 years, while 2% is/are 60 or more years. The article also reveals that the radiographers have access to few peer review journals which serve as sources of information on contemporary issues in radiography and CPD learning activities. Again, a generally poor level of CPD awareness among the Ghanaian radiographers has been established. Lack of effective recording of learning and CPD activities have also been revealed.

Conclusion

The article concludes by recommending CPD policy guidelines; a regulatory body to register all healthcare professionals under one body to ensure effective CPD participation by the registrants; and CPD promotional education activities for Ghanaian healthcare practitioners. Evidence-based practice has also been recommended for Ghanaian healthcare professionals.     

The introduction of mandatory CPD for newly state registered diagnostic radiographers: An Irish perspective

IntroductionIrish diagnostic radiography has undergone significant change with the dual introduction of state registration and mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in October 2015. We aimed to investigate motivators and barriers around CPD participation, mechanisms of CPD delivery and confidence of radiographers in using e-learning.MethodsA questionnaire distributed nationally during this period captured Radiographer opinion through the use of closed and open questions. The questionnaire was distributed in hard copy and online formats depending on site preference.Results71% of centres participated, rendering 453 responses in total from a possible 1222 respondents employed in those sites at the time of the survey. A varied range of ages and post qualification experience were represented. Respondents indicated use of several CPD options with the majority considering CPD to be important, very important or critical. Social media as a mechanism of CPD delivery was considered acceptable by 48%, while online learning elicited responses ranging from not confident to absolutely confident. Top motivators for CPD activity included interest, developing new knowledge and competency. Principal barriers included funding, time allocation and location issues.ConclusionThis study identified Radiographer desire to undertake CPD and the need for developing online CPD offerings. An overall positive perception towards CPD was noted however barriers were identified which require specific redress strategies.     

5 years on: Have attitudes towards continuing professional development in radiography changed?

IntroductionThis study reports the attitudes of UK radiographers to mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) following the introduction of a mandatory policy, compared to a survey undertaken prior to the mandate being introduced.Methods and method of data collectionAn electronic survey was advertised within 152 hospitals, across a range of hospital types (for example: rural, urban, teaching, district general) and geographic areas to minimise any potential bias through sampling. 406 radiographers responded to the survey, which was endorsed by the College of Radiographers.ResultsThe study showed that the overall attitude score had not increased significantly, demonstrating an ongoing relatively ambiguous attitude towards CPD. There was an increase in the number of radiographers recording CPD, though radiographers still expressed discontent over the need to evidence CPD activity. The study showed a change in the perceived primary barrier to CPD away from funding to time: time to undertake CPD; and time to record CPD activity. While the activity score had not significantly increased, a broader view of what constitutes CPD was evidenced, away from the previous narrow focus on attendance based activities. Support for CPD also showed no significant change, suggesting that the onus for CPD still predominantly remains with the individual radiographer.ConclusionThe introduction of a mandatory CPD policy has not significantly impacted on the attitudes of radiographers towards CPD activity. The study raises a number of questions which would benefit from further study and highlights some ongoing issues which impact on CPD in practice.     

Radiographic CPD requirements—a regional study

A regional survey was conducted by an education provider to establish the CPD requirements of both diagnostic radiographers and imaging department managers. The three main areas for concern were established as timing, funding and availability of CPD. It was interesting that the needs of the two groups were often disparate and this may be contributing to radiographers having difficulty gaining support for CPD in their department.It is clear that closer liaison between education providers and clinical departments must be gained to coordinate CPD activity and provision in order to enhance its effectiveness.Within departments, radiographers express the need for support in order to fulfil their CPD requirements and a reward for having done so. All stakeholders need to consider creative ways to facilitate CPD participation and there should be clear evaluation of activities to assess whether they are worth investing in again in the future.Short courses and study days were by far the most popular attendance methods for CPD and accreditation was considered important to ensure quality provision.Open, honest and regular communication between all stakeholders will go some way to overcoming many of the problems identified.     

Radiographers' commitment to continuing professional development: A single-centre evaluation

PurposeThis study aimed to examine radiographers' commitment to continuing professional development (CPD), and to ascertain what types of activities are preferred so a model for provision of departmental activities could be developed.MethodsAn online survey was used to obtain information from all departmental radiographers regarding their commitment to CPD. Statistical analysis, using Spearman's Rho and Chi-Square test, was utilised to investigate any associations.ResultsAll radiographers (n = 57) were invited via email. A response rate of 67% (n = 38) prevailed. Radiographers feel CPD is important and a positive correlation existed with feelings regarding compulsory CPD (r value = .718, P value = .001). Thirty-four percent had logged the SOR-recommended twelve or more pieces of CPD in the last 2 years. One to three hours a month is the preferred amount of own time radiographers are willing to dedicate. Negative correlations exist between the amount of own time radiographers are willing to commit to CPD activities and their feelings regarding compulsory CPD (r value = −.419, P value = .009), and HCPC audit (r value = −.509, P value .001).ConclusionAlthough radiographers recognise the importance of CPD many spend less than four hours of their own time a month on CPD. Departmental activities should be free, short lasting, lunchtime presentations with theory presentation that encourage interaction and discussion with inclusion of practical elements. Further research investigating the barriers that prevent radiographers from partaking in CPD and the causes for insufficient CPD records is recommended.     

Radiographer role extension in Oman – Current practice and future opportunities

IntroductionRadiographers in Oman are believed to be engaged with varying levels of role extension however the nature and extent of this currently unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate role extension for radiographers in Oman, and to evaluate radiographers and the radiologists’ opinions and attitudes toward role extension.MethodsA cross sectional study of radiographers and radiologists at 13 major hospitals in Oman was used. A total of 189 radiographers and 77 radiologists were invited to complete a questionnaire seeking information on current and possible future role extension activities.ResultsThe overall response rate was 80.4% for radiographers and 63.6% for radiologists. Approximately half (53.3%) of the radiographer respondents reported they carry out examinations traditionally performed by radiologists (i.e. role extension); this was primarily in gastrointestinal and barium enema studies. Fewer (21%) reported being involved in image interpretation, most commonly in accident and emergency examinations. Forty percent of radiographers reported involvement in intravenous injections, most commonly for CT and intravenous urography procedures. Both radiographers and radiologists supported the involvement of radiographers in a range of examination types however responses vary within and between hospitals.ConclusionThis study concluded that radiography role extension activities are widely implemented at hospitals in Oman and that radiographers have sufficient skills and education for participating in these activities.Implications for practiceThe involvement of radiographers in role extension activities is believed to be cost and time effective, improve teamwork and has potential for significant service delivery benefits.     

Undergraduate research: theory or practice?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine what the research needs of the radiography profession are and to discover how radiography education centres are equipping graduates to meet those needs.Methods: A comprehensive literature search provided information for a self-response postal questionnaire, which was distributed to all 25 radiography education centres in the United Kingdom. A response rate of 68% was obtained.Results: All radiography education centres taught a variety of research methods at undergraduate level. All but three of the centres taught their students how to use a computer statistical package, with the amount of statistical analysis the student could perform varying between centres. The degree to which the students shared the course with other disciplines varied across the education centres, although the delivery was often multi-professional.Primary research was undertaken by students at all the education centres since it was seen to encourage clinical staff to evaluate their own practice, encouraging an evidence-based approach. It was acknowledged that not all radiographers would perform research once they had graduated, but if the skills were acquired at undergraduate level, then radiographers would be more confident in their ability to undertake research and more likely to be seen as credible research colleagues by other practitioners.Conclusions: Research skills were thought to be necessary for reflection and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity and vital to the future of the profession. Primary research needs to be encouraged at undergraduate level, but because of the political and ethical sensitivity surrounding it, it may not be appropriate for all students. Newly qualified radiographers should be encouraged to undertake research once they enter the clinical setting and they should publish their findings.     

Radiographers' opinions on radiography research in Norway – A national survey

ObjectiveThe objective of the Norwegian Radiography Research Group is to establish a strategy for radiography research in Norway. A survey investigating radiographers' opinions on research was conducted to establish a basis for this strategy.MethodsA questionnaire was sent to all members of the Norwegian Society of Radiographers using the society's e-mail list from May 2014 (n = 2273). The respondents, 31% (n = 697), were divided into six groups; general radiographers (n = 392), specialised radiographers (n = 124), managers (n = 74), radiation therapists (n = 59), professors (n = 13), and others (n = 35). The questionnaire included four parts: introduction, participation in research, research performed at the respondent's work place, and opinions on radiography research. The first parts consisted of close-ended questions, while the fourth part also included a Likert scale.ResultsAmong all respondents, 63% respondents agreed that there is a need for radiography research and 50% agreed that general radiographers/radiation therapists should be the principal investigators of such research. However, only 19% reported participation in a research project during the last five years, and of those, 50% knew how the results of their research had been communicated.ConclusionThe majority of radiographers agreed that there was a need for radiography research and that radiographers/radiation therapists should take a leading role in such work. The results indicate that radiographers/radiation therapists would benefit from training in informal and formal research skills.     

Clinical audit and research in radiography practice: An exploration of the English landscape

BackgroundResearch and clinical audit are central to the quality improvement (QI) process in healthcare; whereas research produces new knowledge, clinical audit establishes if practice is meeting set standards. Thus, radiographers have responsibility to engaging in these QI activities. This study aimed to explore radiographers’ understanding, attitudes and level of involvement in clinical research and audit across England.MethodsA cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire for data collection over a 6-week period was employed. The questionnaire consisted of open and closed ended questions. Participants were recruited through social media. The quantitative data obtained was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26 (IBM Inc, Armonk, NY) whilst content analysis was used to analyse the free-response data.ResultsA total of 100 valid responses were obtained after exclusion of 45 partial and/or incomplete responses. Radiographers showed a positive attitude towards involvement in research and audit with overall mean score of 3.85 (SD 0.80) and 4.01 (SD 0.80), respectively. Of the respondents, 35.7% (n = 35/98) were currently involved in clinical audit projects whilst 78.6% (n = 77/98) have previously been involved. Radiographers with postgraduate degrees were significantly more likely to have initiated research, 61.5% (n = 16/26) (p = 0.01) and to have previously been involved with research, 80.8% (n = 21/26) (p = 0.02). A significant association between radiographers' role and implementation of changes, following an audit (p = 0.03) was noted. Similarly, a significant association was noted between radiographers’ role and initiation of research (p = 0.05).ConclusionClinical radiographers in England showed a positive attitude towards research and audit. However, this did not translate into actual participation in research and audit activities.Implications for practiceThe need to stimulate clinical radiographers’ interest in clinical audit and research is highlighted. Additionally, the findings support the rationale for managers to give more support including protected time to radiographers to engage in QI activities.     

Radiographers’ perception on task shifting to nurses and assistant nurses within the radiography profession

IntroductionThe radiography profession is challenged by greater responsibilities and shortage of educated radiographers. Implementation of task shifting is one strategy to deal with the current situation in health care. The aim of this studiy was to evaluate radiographers’ perception of assistant nurses and nurses carrying out tasks that traditionally were undertaken within the radiography profession in a Swedish context.MethodsAn electronic questionnaire was distributed to radiographers at eleven hospitals in Sweden. The questionnaire included background questions and questions about radiographers’ perception about task shifting to nurses and assistant nurses. The respondents rated their agreement level regarding task shifting on a five-point Likert scale. Data was statistically evaluated in SPSS using Mann Whitney U test.ResultsSixty-five radiographers participated in the study. Most radiographers responded negatively to task shifting to nurses (72%) or assistant nurses (65%). Most radiographers disagree that nurses should perform mammography screening or work within interventional radiography, while the attitude towards nurses calculating glomerular filtration rate was more positive. A majority disagree regarding assistant nurses performing conventional radiographs, informing the patient about contrast media administration or inserting peripheral intravenous catheters, while there was a positive attitude towards assistant nurses preparing patients for examinations. The attitude towards task shifting was not influenced by age, however radiographers with less working experience were more positive to task shifting in general.ConclusionA majority of the radiographers had a negative attitude towards task shifting to nurses and assistant nurses. The radiographers were more positive to hand over tasks related to patient care and administrative tasks than technical related tasks within the profession.Implications for practiceKnowledge about radiographers’ perception on task shifting within the profession is essential when planning and implementing strategies for task shifting in the clinical settings.     

Radiographers as doctors: A profile of UK doctoral achievement

IntroductionRadiography aspires to be a research active profession, but there is limited information regarding the number of individuals with, or studying for, a doctoral award. This study aims to profile UK doctoral radiographers; including their chosen award, approach and employment status.MethodThis was a prospective cohort study utilising an electronic survey. No formal database of doctoral radiographers existed therefore a snowball sampling method was adopted. The study sample was radiographers (diagnostic and therapeutic) based in the UK who were registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and who held, or were studying for, a doctoral award.ResultsA total of 90 unique responses were received within the timescale. The respondents comprised 58 females (64.4%) and the majority were diagnostic radiographers (n = 71/90; 78.9%). The traditional PhD was the most common award, although increasing numbers were pursuing Education or Professional Doctorates. An overall increase in doctoral studies is observed over time, but was greatest amongst those working in academic institutions, with 63.3% of respondents (n = 57/90) working solely within a university, and a further 10% employed in a clinical–academic role (n = 9/90).ConclusionThis study has demonstrated that radiography is emerging as a research active profession, with increasing numbers of radiographers engaged in study at a doctoral level. This should provide a platform for the future development of academic and clinical research.     

What is competence? A new model for diagnostic radiographers: Part 1

Purpose: The aim of the study was to establish a model of competence for newly qualified diagnostic radiographers which would be acceptable to a number of key stakeholders. Both the current and future roles of radiographers were considered. The research is published in two parts. Part 1 describes the background to the study, its methods and the results. Part 2 (published in the next issue) discusses the findings and considers the implications for professional practice and research.Methods: A wide-ranging Delphi survey was undertaken, using a panel of experts. Representatives from all areas of the U.K. were invited to participate. After a pilot study, three postal rounds of the survey were followed by a focus group meeting. In view of the importance in reaching agreement on professional standards, only those competences, which reached 80% level of consensus, were retained.Results: At the outset, 51 experts were invited to participate: the average response rate over three rounds was 85%. The panel agreed on a primary role statement for diagnostic radiographers and commented on the timescale after qualification when a radiographer could be considered to be 'competent'. One hundred and sixty two statements of competence were developed, grouped into nine categories. The panel also made a number of predictions about the future role of radiographers.Conclusion: The data provided evidence on the nature of competence and the relationship to the role of new diagnostic radiographers. Part 2 will discuss the findings and make recommendation for future research.     

Facilitators for and barriers to radiography research in public healthcare in Nordic countries

IntroductionIt has been suggested that the future of diagnostic imaging relies on engagement in research and evidence-based practice. This implies a role transition from a clinical radiographer to a clinical radiographer-researcher. Clinical radiographers’ stimuli for engaging in research in Nordic countries are unknown. This study aimed to address this gap.MethodsCross-sectional data collection via an online questionnaire on facilitators for and barriers to participation in radiography research was carried out among 507 clinical radiographers in public healthcare in the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.ResultsSupport from colleagues (odds ratio [OR] 2.62) and other professionals (OR 2.74), and self-esteem in research skills (OR ≥ 2.21), were facilitators for radiography research. Lack of knowledge and skills to conduct research (OR 2.48) was revealed to hinder radiographers’ participation in research. The absence of a radiography research culture in the workplace explained non-participation in research (OR 1.75).ConclusionThis study revealed significant factors for clinical radiographers’ participation in research.Implications for practiceA strategy for establishing a radiography research culture in healthcare is proposed that is novel for the context. Management support for knowledge development and activity leading to inter-professional research projects across knowledge fields, provision of a radiography research lead and acknowledgement of radiography research among colleagues signify the establishment of the culture. These prerequisites might provide a paradigm change towards not only the symbiosis of a clinical radiographer and an autonomous researcher but also a partner who adds radiography research to evidence-based practice in diagnostic imaging.     

Radiographers’ academic development in Sweden: Towards and after a doctoral degree

IntroductionRadiography is a young discipline and having radiographers with a doctoral degree is central for its development. Academic development of this field in Sweden has been evolving. This study explored the diagnostic radiographers’ prerequisites for doctoral studies, post-doctoral employment and research activities.MethodsData were collected through a questionnaire designed to give insight into doctoral radiographers’ qualification paths, funding, doctoral status, employment and basic demography. Sixteen radiographers participated. A conventional content analysis was used.ResultsThe median age at dissertation defence was 53 for doctorates and 60 for licentiates. This indicates that after receiving the doctorate, there is short time left in the profession, increasing the challenge to develop the field. Most doctorates were employed within educational establishments. Unfortunately, few had supervised doctoral students, but those employed within academia contributed significantly to academic research.ConclusionCompared to other Nordic countries, Sweden is at the forefront with a positive development in obtained high academic degrees. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need for post-doctorate radiographers in order to maintain the workforce to meet current and future demands. Radiographers with doctorates need to be consulted when planning research projects to establish a clear radiographic perspective. Swedish radiographers with a doctorate or licentiate have limited research time, indicating that Sweden may not invest enough in radiographic research.Implications for practiceThere is a need for more doctoral positions and doctorates radiographers to supervise doctoral students. Clinical departments should recognise the benefits of having radiographic clinical research.     

Determining diagnostic radiographer staffing requirements: A workload-based approach

IntroductionThe topic of healthcare human resource planning for diagnostic radiographers has received limited research attention to date. This research is concerned with developing a framework that can be used to determine diagnostic radiographer staffing requirements at a unit- or department level (i.e. at the micro-level).MethodsAn inductive approach is applied to formulate requirement specifications that inform the development of the framework. A number of verification and validation activities are performed, including theoretical verification and a case study application.ResultsThe diagnostic radiographer staffing framework consists of seven steps that comprise a workload-based approach to determining the number of full time equivalent diagnostic radiographers that are required for each modality, or group of modalities. Both clinical and non-clinical activities are considered, and guidance is provided on calculating staffing requirements to cover leave allowances. A number of potential approaches to determining activity times are also discussed.ConclusionThe framework represents a holistic approach to determining the required number of diagnostic radiographers at a practice-level, that is designed to remain relevant as technological advances are made in the field of diagnostic radiography.Implications for practiceBy providing a practical guideline, with accompanying examples, the framework is expected to hold value for individuals involved in the management of diagnostic radiography practices. The framework proposes an approach to a topic that affects every radiography practice in operation yet has received limited attention in literature to date.     

Barriers and incentives for choosing to specialise in mammography: Qualitative analysis

AimThere is a projected shortage of radiographers working in breast screening and this study aimed to examine comments from open response questions from a mixed methods survey of current diagnostic radiography students on their perceptions of working in mammography.MethodThe survey asked three open ended questions: Justification of choice of modality in which they would want to specialise, why they believed there was a shortage of radiographers working in breast screening and any other comment about mammography.ResultsReasons given for specialising in any modality was interest, feature of a modality, amount of clinical exposure during the degree program, personal issues and career prospects. Few current diagnostic radiography students indicated that they would be interested in specialising in breast imaging. They considered there to be a shortage of radiographers as breast imaging was seen to be repetitive, high pressure, intimate and gender biased. Lack of education, clinical exposure, limited career prospects and low pay were also discussed.ConclusionsIncreasing education to the modality during the degree, allowing males to be involved in breast imaging and promoting part-time work in mammography while also working in other modalities may alter the perception that mammography offers a limited career pathway.