International recruitment of radiographers and the development of a workplace integration support package: Project evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: In October 2020, a regional workforce action group was established jointly by Health Education England (HEE) and NHS England and Improvement (NHSEI) in the South West to work collaboratively to address the workforce challenges within diagnostic imaging. Fifty-eight internationally recruited radiographers were offered employment in departments across the region, the majority of them taking up their posts in the UK in early 2021. The aim of the study presented here was to evaluate the efficacy of a training resource developed by Plymouth Marjon University, with input from HEE and NHSEI, to support workplace and cultural integration for the new recruits. METHODS: The training package to help newly recruited radiographers from outside the UK integrate into their host departments was developed using flexible learning opportunities centred on reusable digital learning assets. Self-paced e-learning sessions were augmented by group 'connected' sessions online. Two surveys were undertaken, exploring the impact of this workforce integration programme for International radiographers joining the NHS. RESULTS: Survey results indicate that the integration programme's three-phase strategy has seen an impact on 6 out of 12 self-efficacy measures, raised awareness of challenges, and increased personal awareness of implications for practice. By the end of the programme, delegates were in the top two quintiles for their average well-being score. CONCLUSION: Principal recommendations include ensuring digital accessibility for new recruits as part of the on-boarding process, considering the timing of delivery of any online connected support sessions, the provision of long-term pastoral support; and mandating the training requirement for managers and team leaders. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Success of international recruitment campaigns can be enhanced through the implementation of an online integration package.

Oswestry Disability Index scoring made easy.

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain effects up to 80% of the population at some time during their active life. Questionnaires are available to help measure pain and disability. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is the most commonly used outcome measure for low back pain. The aim of this study was to see if training in completing the ODI forms improved the scoring accuracy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The last 100 ODI forms completed in a hospital's spinal clinic were reviewed retrospectively and errors in the scoring were identified. Staff members involved in scoring the questionnaire were made aware of the errors and the correct method of scoring explained. A chart was created with all possible scores to aid the staff with scoring. A prospective audit on 50 questionnaires was subsequently performed. RESULTS: The retrospective study showed that 33 of the 100 forms had been incorrectly scored. All questionnaires where one or more sections were not completed by the patient were incorrectly scored. A scoring chart was developed and staff training was implemented. This reduced the error rate to 14% in the prospective audit. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians applying outcome measures should read the appropriate literature to ensure they understand the scoring system. Staff must then be given adequate training in the application of the questionnaires.

The Oxford hip and knee outcome questionnaires for arthroplasty.

The Oxford hip and knee scores are used to measure the outcome after primary total hip and knee replacement. We propose a new layout for the instrument in which patients are always asked about both limbs. In addition, we have defined an alternative scoring method which accounts for missing data. Over a period of 4.5 years, 4086 (1423 patients) and 5708 (1458 patients) questionnaires were completed for hips and knees, respectively. The hip score had a pre-operative median of 70.8 (interquartile range (IQR) 58.3 to 81.2) decreasing to 20.8 (IQR 10.4 to 35.4) after one year. The knee score had a pre-operative median of 68.8 (IQR 56.2 to 79.2) decreasing to 29.2 (IQR 14.6 to 45.8). There was no further significant change in either score after one year. As a result of the data analysis, we suggest that the score percentiles can be used as a standard for auditing patients before and after operation.