Department of Radiography, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia, 0007, South Africa.
Department of Radiography, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia, 0007, South Africa.
Radiography (Lond). 2021 Nov;27(4):1021-1026. doi: 10.1016/j.radi.2021.03.008. Epub 2021 May 1.
Radiographic imaging of children presents several complexities, one of which includes their reliance on an adult to take care of them. Literature reports on investigations that focused on interactions of healthcare professionals with children and their parents or guardians in the healthcare setting, but little is known about radiographers' interactions with different custodians of paediatric patients. This study sought to explore and describe the experiences of radiographers with the different custodians of paediatric patients and assess how these custodians contribute to the outcomes of radiographic examinations.
A qualitative, exploratory descriptive design was undertaken. Purposive sampling was used to select 25 radiographers from four health institutions in the Tshwane region of South Africa. Semi-structured interviews, audiotapes and field notes were used to collect data. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the transcribed data.
The following three themes emerged, namely; a) communication with different custodians, b) a radiographer's role in suspected physical abuse (SPA) and c) radiographers' responsibilities and associated radiation concerns.
Radiographers experienced different communication and interaction challenges in the imaging department with various custodians of paediatric patients. These impacted service deliveries. The paediatric patient's reaction in the imaging room might further affect the interaction between the radiographer and the custodian.
There is a need for further studies that explore the concerns that radiographers have regarding their limited role in SPA. In addition, the study also adds to increasing awareness of both health professionals and the general public on radiation protection and safety.
儿童的放射影像学检查存在诸多复杂性，其中之一是他们需要依靠成年人来照顾他们。文献中有一些针对医护人员与儿童及其父母或监护人在医疗环境中的互动进行的研究报告，但对于放射技师与儿科患者不同监护人之间的互动却知之甚少。本研究旨在探讨和描述放射技师与儿科患者不同监护人的互动经历，并评估这些监护人如何为放射检查结果做出贡献。
本研究采用了定性、探索性描述设计。采用目的抽样法从南非茨瓦内地区的四家医疗机构中选择了 25 名放射技师。采用半结构化访谈、录音带和现场记录收集数据。使用定性内容分析法对转录数据进行分析。
出现了以下三个主题，即：a）与不同监护人的沟通，b）放射技师在疑似身体虐待（SPA）中的角色，以及 c）放射技师的责任和相关辐射问题。
放射技师在影像科与儿科患者的各种监护人进行沟通和互动时遇到了不同的挑战，这影响了服务的提供。在影像室中，儿科患者的反应可能会进一步影响放射技师与监护人之间的互动。
需要进一步研究探讨放射技师对其在 SPA 中有限角色的担忧。此外，该研究还提高了医护人员和公众对辐射防护和安全的认识。
