Medical Diagnostic Imaging Department, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Medical Diagnostic Imaging Department, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Radiography (Lond). 2021 Feb;27(1):54-58. doi: 10.1016/j.radi.2020.05.014. Epub 2020 Jun 26.
This study forms part of a needs assessment in relation to the challenges United Arab Emirates (UAE) radiographers face as they move beyond the role of a technician, and their learning needs to facilitate role advancement. It presents a snapshot of the workforce in terms of qualifications, clinical experience, and responsibilities, as it transitions towards an Emirati, led profession. The results will aid the radiography workforce to embrace a broader role within medical imaging and radiographic practice in the UAE.
An electronically distributed cross-sectional study was conducted among radiographers in the UAE. The questionnaire captured radiographer demographics, qualifications, professional experience, postgraduate training, professional development plans, and their interest in future role developments.
272 radiographers were invited to participate with a response rate of 68% (n = 185). Thirty-four (18%) radiographers were UAE nationals with the remainder educated overseas. BSc qualifications were held by 153 (82.7%) and had 6-20 years of experience. There were 12 masters' qualified and two with doctoral qualifications. Modality vendors were significant providers of professional development. Improved job satisfaction and the development of an Emirati led radiography profession were identified as the main gains for role advancement by 171 (92.4%) respondents.
Currently, UAE radiographers work within traditional professional boundaries focussing on image acquisition under direct radiologist supervision. At the same time, many respondents revealed they had embraced advanced practice roles after appropriate education and training.
The findings suggest an Emirati led profession requires the creation of a distinct professional body to represent the interests of radiographers, more investment in postgraduate education, and the creation of a career structure that encompasses positive role development.
本研究是阿联酋放射技师角色转变和学习需求评估的一部分，旨在促进其职业发展。该研究描述了阿联酋放射技师的劳动力队伍在资格、临床经验和职责方面的现状，以及向阿联酋主导的专业过渡的情况。研究结果将有助于放射技师在阿联酋的医学影像和放射实践中承担更广泛的角色。
在阿联酋进行了一项电子分布的横断面研究。问卷调查了放射技师的人口统计学特征、资格、专业经验、研究生培训、专业发展计划以及他们对未来角色发展的兴趣。
共邀请了 272 名放射技师参加，回复率为 68%（n=185）。34 名（18%）放射技师为阿联酋国民，其余均在海外接受教育。153 名（82.7%）持有理学学士资格，拥有 6-20 年的工作经验。有 12 名硕士和 2 名博士。模式供应商是专业发展的重要提供者。171 名（92.4%）受访者认为，提高工作满意度和发展阿联酋主导的放射专业是角色发展的主要收益。
目前，阿联酋放射技师在传统的专业范围内工作，专注于在放射科医生直接监督下获取图像。与此同时，许多受访者表示，他们在接受适当的教育和培训后，已经接受了高级实践角色。
研究结果表明，阿联酋主导的专业需要建立一个独特的专业机构来代表放射技师的利益，增加对研究生教育的投资，并创建一个包含积极角色发展的职业结构。
