ABSTRACT
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.
ABSTRACT
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.
ABSTRACT
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.
