The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
University of Bradford, UK; Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, UK.
Radiography (Lond). 2023 Oct;29(6):1070-1076. doi: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.09.001. Epub 2023 Sep 24.
Prior studies have demonstrated inconsistent development and utilisation of radiographers in the reporting of radiographs, and there is ongoing consideration of the level at which such radiographers should be educated to and operating at. This study aimed to explore and evaluate expectation and utilisation of radiographers currently, or training in, reporting in projection radiography across one integrated care system (ICS).
A multi-method approach was utilised, with document analysis of projection radiography reporting role job descriptions and person specifications and an online survey of managers and clinical leads. A single ICS in the north of England formed the setting for the study.
This study demonstrated variation in implementation and utilisation of the role across trusts within the ICS. Inconsistencies in scope, expected underpinning education and role activity were identified. Radiographers autonomously reporting in projection radiography were titled advanced practitioners, however are not expected to achieve national educational standards for such roles and are not empowered to work at this level of practice by their employers. It was acknowledged that staffing pressures hinder appropriate role utilisation and reporting capacity.
Inconsistent development and utilisation of radiographers in such roles may hamper collaboration and service delivery across a network. Identifying variation and working towards role standardisation could promote cross-organisational working and improve career progression opportunities.
Scoping the reporting radiographer workforce may assist and guide future imaging service and workforce planning.
先前的研究表明，放射技师在 X 光报告方面的发展和利用情况不一致，并且一直在考虑应该对他们进行何种程度的教育和培训。本研究旨在探索和评估一个综合护理系统（ICS）中当前从事或正在接受 X 光报告培训的放射技师的期望和利用情况。
本研究采用了多种方法，对投影放射学报告角色的工作描述和人员规范进行了文件分析，并对管理人员和临床负责人进行了在线调查。英格兰北部的一个单一 ICS 构成了本研究的背景。
本研究表明，在 ICS 内的各个信托基金中，该角色的实施和利用存在差异。发现了在范围、预期的基础教育和角色活动方面的不一致。在投影放射学中自主报告的放射技师被称为高级从业者，但他们不期望达到此类角色的国家教育标准，也没有得到雇主授权在这种实践水平上工作。人们认识到人员配备压力阻碍了适当的角色利用和报告能力。
在这些角色中，放射技师的发展和利用不一致可能会阻碍网络内的协作和服务交付。确定差异并努力实现角色标准化可以促进跨组织工作并提高职业发展机会。
对报告放射技师劳动力进行范围界定可能有助于指导未来的成像服务和劳动力规划。
