Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
J Med Imaging Radiat Sci. 2022 Jun;53(2):248-255. doi: 10.1016/j.jmir.2022.03.007. Epub 2022 Mar 30.
This article presents the findings of phase three of a mixed-method study. Phases one and two explored South African radiographers' radiation protection intention and practices and found that even though radiographers reported a high intention to perform radiation protection, varying practices were observed. Phase three of the study explored optimising radiation protection among radiographers in South Africa.
The research objective guiding phase three of the study was to explore co-constructed change ideas to facilitate optimal radiation protection.
A qualitative research approach using focus group interviews collected data from eight purposively selected radiography managers. The collected data was analysed using thematic analysis.
Two themes and related categories were identified. Radiographer managers defined radiation protection correctly and concurred that they observed suboptimal radiation protection practices. They attributed suboptimal practice with diminished stature of the radiographer within the healthcare team, ionising radiation being an unseen harm and radiographers' attitude. Radiography managers envisioned their ideal radiation protection environment and suggested ways to attain it. Among the suggestions was a strong collaboration between stakeholders, continuous education, research, national standardised policies, and radiography organisational structures.
To rectify suboptimal radiation protection, radiography managers co-constructed ideas to optimise radiation protection practices. Fundamental to change was healthcare organisations embedding radiation protection within their safety culture; thereby, all stakeholders would be invested in upholding the organisation-wide impetus. However, ultimately compliance and accountability is an individual choice.
本文呈现了一项混合方法研究第三阶段的研究结果。第一和第二阶段探讨了南非放射技师的辐射防护意愿和实践，发现尽管放射技师报告了高度的辐射防护意愿，但观察到实践存在差异。第三阶段的研究探讨了如何优化南非放射技师的辐射防护。
指导第三阶段研究的研究目标是探索共同构建的变革思路，以促进最佳的辐射防护。
采用焦点小组访谈的定性研究方法，从八名有针对性选择的放射科经理那里收集数据。使用主题分析对收集到的数据进行分析。
确定了两个主题和相关类别。放射技师经理正确定义了辐射防护，并一致认为他们观察到了辐射防护实践的不足。他们将次优实践归因于放射技师在医疗团队中的地位下降、电离辐射是一种看不见的危害以及放射技师的态度。放射技师经理设想了他们理想的辐射防护环境，并提出了实现这一目标的方法。其中包括利益相关者之间的紧密合作、持续的教育、研究、国家标准化政策和放射技师组织架构。
为了纠正辐射防护不足的问题，放射技师经理共同构思了优化辐射防护实践的思路。要实现变革，医疗机构必须将辐射防护纳入其安全文化中；从而，所有利益相关者都将投资于维护全组织的动力。然而，最终合规和问责制是个人的选择。
