Kapapa N, Bwanga O, Sichone J M, Kafwimbi S, Ohene-Botwe B
Thomson District Hospital, Radiology Department, Zambia.
Midlands University Hospital Tullamore, Radiology Department, Ireland.
Radiography (Lond). 2025 Jan;31(1):75-82. doi: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.10.024. Epub 2024 Nov 14.
Digital radiography (DR) systems have revolutionised radiographers' experiences, particularly those accustomed to analogue methods. Despite the advantages, DR poses challenges due to its cost and technical requirements, especially in low-resource settings. Zambia, predominantly reliant on analogue systems, is gradually transitioning to DR. Understanding radiographers' experiences with DR is crucial for leveraging its benefits. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of Zambian radiographers with DR using the digital transformation framework (DTF).
This qualitative method employed a descriptive phenomenological approach to interview 14 radiographers from five governmental hospitals in the Copperbelt province of Zambia. Interviews were conducted face-to-face, digitally audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using Colaizzi's (1978) phenomenological framework and Natural Language Processing (NLP).
Following data analysis, three main themes were developed: education and training in DR, departmental workflow in DR, and challenges of DR. The findings revealed predominantly positive experiences among radiographers using DR, with improved patient waiting times, image quality, workflow efficiency, and job satisfaction. However, challenges such as technological adaptation and system breakdowns were identified.
The study highlighted the positive experiences of radiographers during the initial implementation of DR in Zambian medical facilities. Although challenges exist, the findings suggest that they can be overcome by improving infrastructure and training, thereby maximising the benefits of DR.
The positive experiences demonstrated by radiographers in implementing DR in Zambian medical facilities indicate that targeted training and infrastructure improvements can enhance workflow efficiency, image quality, and overall patient care.
数字放射成像（DR）系统彻底改变了放射技师的工作体验，尤其是那些习惯了传统模拟方法的技师。尽管具有诸多优势，但由于其成本和技术要求，DR也带来了挑战，特别是在资源匮乏的环境中。赞比亚主要依赖模拟系统，目前正在逐步向DR过渡。了解放射技师对DR的使用体验对于充分发挥其优势至关重要。因此，本研究旨在利用数字转型框架（DTF）探索赞比亚放射技师使用DR的体验。
本定性研究采用描述性现象学方法，对赞比亚铜带省五家政府医院的14名放射技师进行了访谈。访谈采用面对面的方式进行，进行数字录音、转录，并使用科莱齐（1978年）的现象学框架和自然语言处理（NLP）进行分析。
经过数据分析，得出了三个主要主题：DR方面的教育与培训、DR部门的工作流程以及DR面临的挑战。研究结果显示，使用DR的放射技师普遍有积极的体验，患者等待时间缩短、图像质量提高、工作流程效率提升以及工作满意度提高。然而，也发现了技术适应和系统故障等挑战。
该研究突出了赞比亚医疗机构在首次实施DR过程中放射技师的积极体验。尽管存在挑战，但研究结果表明，通过改善基础设施和培训可以克服这些挑战，从而最大限度地发挥DR的优势。
放射技师在赞比亚医疗机构实施DR过程中所展示的积极体验表明，有针对性的培训和基础设施改善可以提高工作流程效率、图像质量以及整体患者护理水平。
