ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Twitter journal clubs are a relatively new adaptation of an established continuing professional development (CPD) activity within healthcare. The medical radiation science (MRS) journal club 'MedRadJClub' (MRJC) was founded in March 2015 by a group of academics, researchers and clinicians as an international forum for the discussion of peer-reviewed papers. To investigate the reach and impact of MRJC, a five-year analysis was conducted. METHODS: Tweetchat data (number of participants, tweets and impressions) for the first five years of MRJC were extracted and chat topics organised into themes. Fifth anniversary MRJC chat tweets were analysed and examples of academic and professional outputs were collated. RESULTS: A total of 59 chats have been held over five years with a mean of 41 participants and 483,000 impressions per hour-long synchronous chat. Ten different tweetchat themes were identified, with student engagement/preceptorship the most popular. Eight posters or oral presentations at conferences, one social media workshop and four papers have been produced. Qualitative analysis revealed five core themes relating to the perceived benefits of participation in MRJC: (1) CPD and research impact, (2) professional growth and influencing practice, (3) interdisciplinary learning and inclusion, (4) networking and social support and (5) globalisation. CONCLUSION: MRJC is a unique, multi-professional, global community with consistent engagement. It is beneficial for both CPD, research engagement, dissemination and socialisation within the MRS community.
Subject(s)
Social Media , Delivery of Health Care , Humans , Internationality , OrganizationsABSTRACT
A letter to the Editor in response to the recently published article by Cartwright et al. (AHR, https://doi.org/10.1071/AH20118) on the implication of workforce models on efficiency and staff well-being in a computed tomography department.
Subject(s)
Tomography , Humans , WorkforceABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To survey the diagnostic radiography workforce in the United Kingdom (UK) at an organisational level to ascertain the scope of advanced practice and compliance with Health Education England standards for multiprofessional advanced clinical practice (ACP). METHODS: 174 diagnostic imaging departments were invited to participate in a cross-sectional electronic survey focused upon advanced level practice and their educational and accreditation expectations (October-December 2019). Breast imaging, computed tomography, fluoroscopy, interventional radiology, lithotripsy, magnetic resonance imaging and projectional radiography were included. RESULTS: A total of 97 responses were received, of which 79 were eligible for inclusion (45%). Respondents reported advanced-level practice roles across all imaging modalities, which included clinical reporting, procedural-based and combined roles. Radiograph and mammogram reporting were most prevalent (95 and 67% of Trusts), with fluoroscopy the most frequent procedure-only role (25%). Only 39% of trusts required adherence to the four pillars of ACP within job descriptions, and only 12% requiring a full Masters qualification. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic radiographer reporting and procedure-based roles in the NHS are varied and widespread. However, inconsistencies in fulfilment against the expected standards for advanced practice exist. Realignment of advanced-level roles to delineate enhanced and advanced clinical practice may ensure consistency between roles and professions. A requirement for accreditation as an advanced (clinical) practitioner with adherence to advanced practice requirements could therefore provide value to accreditation for both individual practitioners and Trusts. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Within the UK, diagnostic radiographer roles previously self-identified as advanced-level practice may be termed enhanced practice when not adhering to expected ACP standards.
