Sustainability in radiography education: A case study of a tertiary institution in Zimbabwe.

INTRODUCTION: To equip radiographers to tackle the negative impacts of climate change, it is crucial to offer in-depth education on planetary health and sustainability. This study aimed to use a tertiary institution in Zimbabwe as a case study to assess radiography students' views on the integration of sustainability into their curriculum. METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study using a questionnaire took place at a tertiary institution in Harare, Zimbabwe, where students were sampled consecutively. Categorical variables were described using frequencies and percentages. Data analysis was carried out using Stata 13.1. RESULTS: A total of 96 out of 111 students participated, with an 86% response rate. The majority of students believed in the importance of environmentally friendly radiography practices (90.62%) and felt that sustainability is crucial for better patient care. While sustainability teaching was acknowledged in the curriculum, many students were not confident about the topic in exams. There was no consensus on the preferred methods of teaching sustainability. University lecturers specializing in climate-related fields were seen as the most suitable teachers for sustainability education. CONCLUSIONS: The curriculum reflects efforts in sustainability education, but student confidence and awareness of climate-focused research units require improvement. Continuous education is crucial to link sustainability awareness with practical implications in radiography. Future studies should investigate tailored teaching methods to engage students effectively in sustainable radiography practices. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings highlight the importance of ongoing education and awareness campaigns to address the disconnect between understanding the importance of sustainability and implementing it effectively in radiography practice.

Environmental sustainability in radiography in low-resource settings: A qualitative study of awareness, practices, and challenges among Zimbabwean and Zambian radiographers.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence suggests that radiography activities have a significant impact on the environment. With growing awareness of the negative environmental consequences of radiography services, there is an increasing call for radiographers to adopt sustainable practices. However, little is known about the levels of awareness, current practices, and challenges faced by radiographers working in low-resource settings on this subject. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the awareness, practices, and challenges among Zimbabwean and Zambian radiographers about environmental sustainability in radiography. METHODS: An exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was used in this study. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 19 purposively sampled participants (N = 8 and N = 11) in Zimbabwe and Zambia, respectively. The audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis six-phase framework. RESULTS: Following thematic data analysis three main themes emerged: awareness of the concept of sustainability among radiographers, sustainability practices in radiography, and challenges of implementing sustainability in radiography. The study found that some radiology departments continue to rely on film-screen imaging systems due to insufficient financial resources to transition to digital imaging systems. Consequently, this constraint emerged as the central obstacle thwarting the implementation of sustainable practices in radiography. CONCLUSION: Most radiographers understood the concept of sustainability in radiography; however, they were concerned about the negative impact of radiography practices on the environment and wanted more training and financial support to mitigate this impact. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Environmental sustainability should be integrated into the radiography curriculum and provision of continuing professional development (CPD) to impart radiographers with knowledge and the best practices. Periodical audits should be conducted to monitor sustainable practices and reward deserving radiology departments.

Promoting sustainability activities in clinical radiography practice and education in resource-limited countries: A discussion paper.

OBJECTIVE: Urgent global action is required to combat climate change, with radiographers poised to play a significant role in reducing healthcare's environmental impact. This paper explores radiography-related activities and factors in resource-limited departments contributing to the carbon footprint and proposes strategies for mitigation. The rationale is to discuss the literature regarding these contributing factors and to raise awareness about how to promote sustainability activities in clinical radiography practice and education in resource-limited countries. KEY FINDINGS: The radiography-related activities and factors contributing to the carbon footprint in resource-limited countries include the use of old equipment and energy inefficiency, insufficient clean energy to power equipment, long-distance commuting for radiological examinations, high film usage and waste, inadequate training and research on sustainable practices, as well as limited policies to drive support for sustainability. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, financial assistance and partnerships are needed to adopt eco-friendly technologies and clean energy sources to power equipment, thus tackling issues related to old equipment and energy inefficiency. Transitioning to digital radiography can mitigate the environmental impact of high film usage and waste, while collaboration between governments, healthcare organisations, and international stakeholders can improve access to radiological services, reducing long-distance commuting. Additionally, promoting education programmes and research efforts in sustainability will empower radiographers with the knowledge to practice sustainably, complemented by clear policies such as green imaging practices to guide and incentivise the adoption of sustainable practices. These integrated solutions can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of radiography activities in resource-limited settings while enhancing healthcare delivery. CONCLUSION: Radiography-related activities and factors in resource-limited departments contributing to the carbon footprint are multifaceted but can be addressed through concerted efforts. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Addressing the challenges posed by old equipment, energy inefficiency, high film usage, and inadequate training through collaborative efforts and robust policy implementation is essential for promoting sustainable radiography practices in resource-limited countries. Radiographers in these countries need to be aware of these factors contributing to the carbon footprint and begin to work with the relevant stakeholders to mitigate them. Furthermore, there is a need for them to engage in education programmes and research efforts in sustainability to empower them with the right knowledge and understanding to practice sustainably.

Attitudes and barriers to interprofessional collaboration among radiographers: A multi-country perspective.

INTRODUCTION: To promote effective interprofessional collaboration (IPC), it is crucial to understand the attitudes of healthcare workers towards IPC and identify any barriers they may face. This is particularly important in the radiography profession where IPC is vital for providing holistic care and ensuring radiation protection and safety. However, there is limited research available on the attitudes and barriers to IPC specifically among radiographers. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the attitudes and barriers to IPC among radiographers from multiple countries. METHODS: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted using the adapted attitudes toward healthcare teams scale (ATHCT) and barriers scale towards IPC. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank-sum, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS: A total of 233 radiographers across the globe participated in this survey. The study found that the overall mean score on the ATHCT scale was 54.68 (SD = 5.75). Although not statistically significant, radiographers with over 15 years of experience tended to strongly agree with all the statements, indicating a more positive attitude towards IPC. The study also identified three subscales related to IPC: quality of care, team efficiency, and time constraint. The top three barriers to IPC reported by radiographers include i. a lack of clearly defined, shared, and measurable purpose, ii. poor communication, and iii. a lack of commitment from team members. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the need for interventions and programs that promote effective communication and establish a shared vision among healthcare team members.

Mental health literacy of undergraduate radiography students in Zimbabwe.

INTRODUCTION: Assessing the Mental Health Literacy (MHL) of students is crucial in having an understanding of mental health knowledge gaps, stigma, wrong beliefs, risk factors, and treatment-seeking behaviour. The aim of this study was to use a validated scale to examine the MHL of radiography students at a tertiary institution in Harare, Zimbabwe. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted to assess the MHL of radiography students at a tertiary institution in Harare, Zimbabwe, using a validated MHL scale. Individual t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were conducted for each variable to examine the differences between groups expected to differ in their MHL. RESULTS: A total of 89 students were enrolled into the study. The overall mean MHL score was 96.62 (SD-9.55), with students less knowledgeable on environmental, social, familial, or biological factors that increase the risk of developing a mental illness. Gender had no statistically significant effect on the overall score, t(83) = -0.81, p = 0.42 [Males had mean score = 95.64, SD = 10.14; and Females had mean score = 97.35, SD = 9.12]]. However, there was a significant difference in recognition of disorders by gender, t(83) = -2.42, p = 0.02, with female students (M = 26.24, SD =2.68) scoring higher than male students (M =24.69, SD =3.21). In addition, students with a previous history of mental health disorders scored higher (M =26.86, SD = 2.19) than those with no previous history (M =25.47, SD =3.04), however the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The students in the current study demonstrated lower MHL compared to most studies in the literature. Students were less knowledgeable about environmental, social, familial, or biological factors that increase the risk of developing a mental illness. Furthermore, a correlation between MHL and mental health experience was demonstrated. The implication of these findings is that the curriculum ought to be developed to help undergraduate radiography students become more knowledgeable about mental health and comfortable seeking appropriate support.

Radiographers' views on the workplace factors that impact their mental health: Findings of a survey at central hospitals in Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: Delivering high-quality radiography services is an ethical duty that calls for radiographers' dedication and their capacity to handle obstacles to their mental health that arise at work. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographers' views on the workplace factors that impact their mental health in a sample from Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted from 10 August to 10 September 2022. A total of 37 out of 56 radiographers working at central hospitals in Harare Metropolitan Province participated in the survey. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis. Data were analyzed using Stata 13. RESULTS: Frustration and stress were the most commonly reported feelings among 78.38% and 72.97% of radiographers respectively. Most radiographers agreed that workplace stress influences relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. More than half of the radiographers agreed that workplace stress has forced them to start looking for a new position. A large proportion of radiographers (41.18%) reported that they had no emotional support with only 35.29% reporting that they do have emotional support. When asked to select their top 3 work-related stressors in the last 3 months, 70.27% reported frequent equipment breakdowns, and 67.57% reported poor remuneration. There was no significant difference between diagnostic radiographers and therapy radiographers with respect to stress (Pearson chi-square = 0.57, p = 0.45). CONCLUSION: Appropriate support mechanisms should be considered to address the issues affecting mental health; as currently this may be a factor leading to the emigration of radiographers.

Factors leading to disruptive behaviours at central hospitals in Harare Metropolitan Province: Radiography managers perspectives.

BACKGROUND: The negative consequences of disruptive behaviours involving healthcare workers threatens the institution's image, staff morale, finances, and patient safety. While all kinds of health organisations or settings are potentially exposed to disruptive behaviours, some are at higher risk than others because of both environmental and cultural factors. Such risk should be assessed having regard to the specific situation and conditions in which each healthcare organization operates. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore radiography manager's perspectives on the environmental and cultural factors leading to DBs involving radiographers at central hospitals in Harare Metropolitan Province. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative study employing in-depth interviews with 11 radiography managers across five departments at three central hospitals selected by criterion purposive sampling was done. The interview data were analysed using Tesch's method of qualitative analysis. RESULTS: The key environmental and cultural factors identified included three themes: power hierarchy, work environment and reporting framework. Power hierarchy comprised categories, superiority, professional boundaries and representation. The work environment incorporated categories, trust in leadership, burnout and fatigue and remuneration. Lastly, reporting framework included categories, lack of protocol and reporting culture. CONCLUSION: Radiography managers believe that environmental factors play a bigger role in leading to disruptive behaviours that involve radiographers at central hospitals in Harare Metropolitan Province. This underscores the need for hospital and radiography managers to pay particular emphasis on these when formulating policies and procedures to address these behaviours. Addressing DBs ensures that healthy work environments are promoted which in turn ensures that patients receive optimum and safe care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The paper provides an insight into the environmental and cultural dynamics that may trigger disruptive behaviours involving radiographers. This information is invaluable in formulating policies and procedures for addressing these unprofessional behaviours.

Antecedents of disruptive behaviours involving radiographers at central hospitals in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe.

INTRODUCTION: Although disruptive behaviours (DBs) are universal in healthcare, each healthcare setting, profession or department presents unique DBs antecedents. Gaining better insights into the antecedents of DBs is crucial in order to put together a tailor-made program designed to raise awareness, establish accountability, and provide resources to mitigate their impact. There are, however, a few studies exploring antecedents of DBs involving radiographers, more so in low resource settings like Africa. The aim of the study was to determine the antecedents of DBs involving radiographers employed by central hospitals in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out from January to March 2021 at central hospitals in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe. A self-administered questionnaire was used to capture the views of 100 randomly selected radiographers. RESULTS: There was a significant agreement that the following are antecedents of DBs: frustration due to poor working conditions (Mean = 3.93.p < .0005); long waiting times for patients (Mean = 3.91.p < .0005); a sense of privilege and status for those at the top (Mean = 3.87.p < .0005); burnout or fatigue (Mean = 3.79.p < .0005); narcissism (Mean = 3.79.p < .0005); differences in communication styles (Mean = 3.68.p < .0005); divergence of opinions or thoughts (Mean = 3.59.p < .0005); personal conflicts or family problems (Mean = 3.57.p < .0005); self-protection against feelings of inadequacy (Mean = 3.42.p < .0005); dysfunctional organizational culture (Mean = 3.38.p < .0005) and cultural, generational or gender bias (Mean = 3.32.p < .0005). CONCLUSION: This study identifies the antecedents of DBs involving radiographers at central hospitals in Harare Metropolitan Province. It is crucial that any attempts at finding solutions to address the behaviours should be based on evidence of the antecedents in the setting concerned. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This will help in the understanding of the antecedents of DBs involving radiographers so that context specific interventions to address these behaviours are formulated.