Implementation of Radiographic Workforce Innovations (Version 1.1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How are Radiography Departments in Wales Implementing Innovative Workforce Models within Normal Radiographic Practice to Overcome the Workforce and Imaging Demand Challenges faced by the Profession?
IRAS ID
334323
Contact name
Charlotte Amy Hodges
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Demand for X-Rays, Computed Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), is increasing annually meaning radiography departments are facing unprecedented rises in patient waiting times for imaging services. These challenges have highlighted the lack of radiologists, who are the clinical doctors that diagnose pathologies from radiographic images and provide a written report on their findings from these images. They also undertake minimally invasive procedures using radiographic imaging guidance (interventional imaging). Recommendations suggest maximising current capacity through accelerating role development for radiographers (healthcare professionals who specialise in undertaking routine radiographic imaging such as X-Rays, CT and MRI scans) into advanced practice radiography. Advanced practice radiography is a level of radiographic practice that is characterised by a higher degree of decision making and responsibility, such as reporting radiography. Reporting radiographers undertake pathology diagnosis and image reporting to cover the shortfall in the radiologist workforce. Some radiographer advanced practice roles are also expanding into interventional radiography procedures.
However, radiographer workforce shortages are causing variances in the implementation (introducing the changes into practice) of advanced practice roles across the UK which reduces how effective these roles can be in the long term. This research will focus on three specific advanced practice roles as case studies in a health board in Wales to better understand why and how the roles have been implemented so that learning can be utilised within further strategic and national workforce planning in reducing patient waiting times.
Radiographers in a health board in Wales will be asked to participate in qualitative semi-structured interviews. Policy documents in the department will also be explored as part of the research. The data collection will take up to a year.
REC name
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REC reference
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