Exploring the experiences of parents of Autistic children when attending the diagnostic imaging department for an X-ray examination.

INTRODUCTION: Autism is a neuro-developmental condition which affects the social-emotional skills, behaviour, language, communication skills and flexibility of thoughts of an individual and their sensory processing. This can result in Autistic service users finding it difficult to navigate current healthcare provision and cope with the unpredictable environment. This paper explores the experiences of parents of Autistic children when attending the diagnostic imaging department for an X-ray examination. METHODS: A cross sectional, mixed methods approach was adopted and the initial phase consisting of an online survey for parents to complete is the subject of this paper. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and cross comparison between questions was also completed. Thematic analysis was taken to analyse the data from the two open questions at the end of the survey. RESULTS: The online survey results are presented in this paper under four key themes; waiting times and environment, forms of communication, lack of understanding of staff regarding Autism and preparation for the X-ray examination. CONCLUSION: The overall rating of the parents' experience whilst in the X-ray/diagnostic imaging department was positive, however there are several areas which received low scores which need further attention. These were waiting areas, waiting times, staff development and patient preparation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The development of more inclusive waiting areas is needed, more effective lines of communication between staff to expedite the patient journey where possible, staff development of both radiographers and also support staff and the review of design of more accessible and inclusive patient information.

Autism-friendly MRI: Improving radiography practice in the UK, a survey of radiographer practitioners.

INTRODUCTION: Autistic individuals undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations may face significant challenges, mainly due to sensory overload and MRI environment-related limitations. This study aimed to explore radiographers' perspectives and experiences regarding MRI scanning of autistic individuals. METHODS: Data collection was achieved using a specifically designed mixed methods questionnaire on Qualtrics. The snowball technique was used. This UK-wide survey was electronically distributed by three main recruitment agencies between December 2020 and February 2021. RESULTS: 130 valid responses were received. A lack of relevant training and knowledge related to autism was noted. Effective communication, optimisation and customisation of the MRI examination, and MRI environment adjustments facilitated the completion of a safe and effective MRI examination. Poor patient-radiographer communication, unavailability of Special Educational Needs (SEN) experts, lack of specialised radiographer training and lack of specific guidelines were identified as the main barriers to successful MRI examinations. CONCLUSION: Although routine MRI safety and patient care rules will apply, MRI scanning of autistic individuals requires customisation and reasonable adjustments in communication, environment, and training of clinical teams. In addition, guidelines should be established to be used as a reference point to improve clinical practice. The adjustments proposed by radiographers were all consistent with the interventions in the wider literature. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: MRI practice for personalised care of autistic individuals should be aligned with current evidence, to customise communication and offer workflow and environmental adjustments. Formal training related to autism, integrated within radiography academic curricula and better co-ordination and communication of interdisciplinary teams would provide the necessary skill mix to deliver safe, high quality MRI scans with optimal experience for autistic service users and their carer(s).

Being a newly qualified diagnostic radiographer: Learning to fly in the face of reality.

INTRODUCTION: The phenomenon of role transition has been investigated by a range of differing professions over a range of time and utilising a range of different methodologies. It is acknowledged by all studies that the period of transition from student to practitioner is a challenging and at times a stressful experience, often culminating in the newly qualified practitioners experiencing the reality shock of practice. This paper explores one of the key subthemes 'reality hits' which was identified during a wider PhD study Being and Becoming a Diagnostic Radiographer. METHODS: A longitudinal study was utilised employing an interpretive phenomenological methodology, collating data from nine participants during their first year as a newly qualified diagnostic radiographer. Each participant was interviewed at three months, six months and twelve months. RESULTS: Six main themes were identified. This paper explores the subtheme 'reality hits' which strongly featured in the three and six month interviews. CONCLUSION: Eight of the nine participants found the first three to six months a stressful and emotional time. The experience of the graduates during this time raises issues which need to be used to inform future curriculum development, practice placement models and support strategies.

Embracing diversity in radiography: The role of service users.

This article outlines the importance of cultural competence for student radiographers. The UK population is becoming more diverse in terms of ethnicity, the population is also made up of a much wider age range, varying genders and people of different sexual orientation, physical abilities and faiths. Radiographers need to be able to communicate with and care for people of all backgrounds. Radiographers need to be able to build relationships with service users based on mutual respect to provide optimum care despite personal differences. In order to prepare for this, service user involvement in the radiography curriculum is key. This article discussed the way in which service users are involved at one university. All of the strategies used enable students to learn about the different people that they will encounter in their professional role and to develop cultural competence. It is vitally important that student radiographers feel comfortable to interact with and care for service users from different backgrounds and cultures and to be able to demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the range of issues and individual needs of every service user they may encounter in their professional role.