Mapping the migrant diagnostic radiographers in the UK: A national survey.

INTRODUCTION: The international recruitment of healthcare workers remains a UK strategy to manage workforce gaps and maintain service delivery. Although not a new phenomenon, this has been exacerbated by chronic shortages. There is a need to profile the current international recruits and identify individual motivators to understand the opportunities for future recruitment and retention initiatives. METHOD: A UK-wide electronic survey was conducted using the Jisc platform. The survey was promoted using social media and researcher networks. Eligibility criteria were diagnostic radiographers, internationally educated, and currently working in the UK. RESULTS: 226 responses were received. Most were working in England (90.7%) and 58.0% were under 35 years of age. The majority had migrated having moved to the UK since 2020 (63.7%) and the main drivers were career and/or training opportunities. Initial education was in 30 different countries, the highest number originating from Africa and Asia, with a median of 6 years post-qualification experience (IQR 4-11yrs). Despite experience, most were employed in band 5 (n = 72) or band 6 posts (n = 95). 56% had postgraduate qualifications on entry and a third had undertaken postgraduate study in the UK. CONCLUSION: Based on the survey responses, the profile of internationally recruited diagnostic radiographers is relatively young but with pre-migration experience originating all over the globe. They are motivated to work in the UK particular for career progression opportunities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study provides an insight into the motivations, demographics and employment patterns of internationally recruited radiographers working in the UK.

Supporting claustrophobic patients during magnetic resonance imaging examination- the radiographer perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Some patients cannot complete their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations because of claustrophobia. Evidence showed that supportive instruction is an effective intervention used to assist claustrophobic patients in MRI. However, the effectiveness of this intervention depends on the experience and education level of the MRI radiographer. This study aimed to understand the views of MRI radiographers on supporting claustrophobic patients and develop a guide to improve the effectiveness of the intervention. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach utilising focus group discussion was considered suitable. A purposive sampling method was used to enrol eligible participants into the study. The study was advertised in print newspapers and on social media platforms. There were seven MRI radiographers in the focus group discussion. The conversation was recorded and transcribed for analysis, with content analysis employed to group the data into relevant codes and categories. RESULTS: The radiographer's understanding of claustrophobia and knowledge of the interventions used to support claustrophobic patients were the key elements that influenced claustrophobic patients' experience in MRI. However, there were some factors inhibiting the radiographer's ability to support these patients. These factors include insufficient appointment slots, availability of supportive tools and support with developing communication skills. CONCLUSION: Communication and identifying anxiety signs are essential for MRI radiographers to address patient anxiety during examinations. This might increase the MRI examination completion rate and give the patient a positive experience in the department. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: MRI radiographers can better understand how to support claustrophobic patients. Also, the guide developed from the data could help improve consistency in the use of supportive instruction in clinical practice.

Supporting claustrophobic patients during Magnetic Resonance Imaging examination- the patient perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a common imaging modality used to diagnose disease and monitor treatment. However, some patients cannot complete their MRI examination as a result of claustrophobia. The recent developments in the MRI scanner design may have reduced the incidence of claustrophobia in MRI. This study aimed to explore the claustrophobic patients' experience to better understand how to support them. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach using focus groups was deemed appropriate for the study. The research was advertised in a print newspaper and on social media platforms for eligible participants to contact the researcher. Six claustrophobic patients were recruited to the focus group meeting. The discussion was audio recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was used to analyse the data into code and categories. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the data analysis, which included examination preparation, information provision, coping mechanisms and MR scanner design. Participants reported that the confined space in the MRI scanner bore is responsible for their anxiety during MRI. However, the majority of the participants believe that they would be able to complete the examination if, in advance of their scan, they were shown the MRI scanner and what they would be required to do. CONCLUSION: Several coping mechanisms were shared by the participants on how they were able to complete their MRI examination despite their claustrophobia. MRI radiographers should endeavour to use these mechanisms to support their patients in practice. Also, the findings emphasise the importance of virtual reality and clear communication with patients in preparing them for their MRI examinations. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings of this study may be used to enhance claustrophobic patients' experience in MRI. It also identified those aspects of the MRI examination that matter most to patients with claustrophobia in order to provide a suitable intervention to support these patients.

Clinical placement challenges associated with radiography education in a low-resource setting: A qualitative exploration of the Ethiopian landscape.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical placements (CP) are of paramount importance in the learning and the acquisition of key competencies in terms of knowledge, skill and professional attributes required for clinical radiography practice. This study explored the challenges faced by radiography students and educators in relation to clinical placement and training in Ethiopia. METHODS: A qualitative approach using focus group discussion and interviews were used to explore the experiences of students and educators, respectively, pertaining to challenges encountered in relation to the clinical placement of students across four university affiliated hospitals. Data obtained was analysed using a structured three step framework and the coding approach employed in a thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants comprise of third- and fourth-year undergraduate radiography students (n = 14) and educators [academic faculty (n = 7) and clinical practice educators (n = 8)]. Four main themes were identified, which relate to deficiencies of an existing training curriculum and its implementation strategies, inadequate resource and infrastructure within the CP environments and absence of advanced training opportunities. CONCLUSION: This research showed that there are many and varied challenges encountered by both students and educators in relation to CP and training of radiography students in Ethiopia. These challenges could potentially affect the future performance of students/practitioners and/or the appropriate application of the core clinical radiography skills and competencies in the world of work. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Clinical radiography training in resource-limited settings will require urgent attention and support with modern infrastructure including simulation to augment their clinical development to acceptable standards.

Malpractice and medicolegal issues in radiology practice: knowledge base for residency trainees and trainers.

BACKGROUND: Medical malpractice is a global problem of professional negligence resulting in damage or harm to a patient due to deviation from accepted standards of practice. Radiology service delivery to patients from all the four major medical disciplines and the ever increasing imaging arsenal potentially increase the incidence of adverse events in radiology. It is pertinent therefore, that radiology practitioners become conversant with the regulatory role of the medical malpractice system in the protection of the right of patients. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To document the knowledge base of medical malpractice in current literature in order to arouse the awareness of radiology residency trainees and trainers to this all-important professional practising issue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature materials on medical malpractice in general and Radiology in particular were reviewed. Four illustrative case reports from past experiences were highlighted. Discussion was carried out on the historical perspective, classes, defendant status, legal requirements and prevention of medical malpractice. RESULTS: Discovery of x-ray in 1895 shifted focus of medical malpractice matters to Radiology. Practically all imaging techniques, including US, CT, MRI have been subject of malpractice lawsuits. Cognitive and perceptual diagnostic errors constitute 70% of malpractice cases against radiologists. CONCLUSION: Adequate professional training, informed consent by the patient and improved doctor-patient relationship are basic to standard medical practice.