Radiologists' perceptions of knowledge and training required by radiographers in the interpretation of radiographic images: An explorative study in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.

INTRODUCTION: The health sector of South Africa is burdened by the shortage of radiologists leading to the under-reporting of radiographic images and ultimately mismanagement of patients. Previous studies have recommended training of radiographers in radiographic image interpretation in order to improve the reporting. There is paucity of information regarding the knowledge and training required by radiographers to interpret radiographic images. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore the knowledge and training required by diagnostic radiographers, according to radiologists, for the interpretation of radiographs. METHOD: A qualitative descriptive study employing criterion sampling to select qualified radiologists practicing in the eThekwini district of the KwaZulu Natal province, was conducted. One-on-one and in-depth, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from three participants. The interviews were not carried out face to face as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic and the regulation of social distancing. This did not permit engagement with research communities. The data from the interviews were analysed using Tesch's eight steps for analysing qualitative data. RESULTS: Findings revealed that radiologists supported the interpretation of radiographic images by radiographers in rural settings, and for the radiographer's scope of practice to be restructured to include the reporting of chest and the musculoskeletal system images. The themes that emerged from the analysis included knowledge, training, clinical competencies and medico-legal responsibilities required by radiographers in the interpretation of radiographic images. CONCLUSION: Although the radiologists support the training of radiographers in the interpretation of radiographic images, radiologists think that the scope of practice should be limited to the interpretation of the chest and musculoskeletal systems in rural areas only.

Disruptive behaviours involving radiographers that impede a safe work environment. Survey at central hospitals in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe.

Background: Understanding disruptive behaviours from the perspective of radiographers is important, as this professional group uses hazardous radiation in the execution of their duties, making patient safety of utmost concern. Objective: Determine the disruptive behaviours involving radiographers at central hospitals in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was carried out at central hospitals in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe, where 100 radiographers were randomly selected. Results: Overall, 83% of radiographers had been exposed to an incident of DB in the preceding 12 months. Reported types of disruptive behaviour included: Verbal abuse (81%), sexual abuse (21%) and physical abuse (4%). Of the 21 radiographers that suffered sexual abuse, the majority 71 % (n=15) were female while 29% (n=6) were males. Prevalence odds ratio revealed that female radiographers were 1.8 times more likely than their male counterparts to be victims of the workplace sexual abuse (95% C.I.: 0 - 3.04). A significant 69% were abused by patients and their families/escorts, p=.001. Conclusion: More than 8 out of 10 radiographers in this study were exposed to disruptive behaviours, mostly from the patients and patient's family or escorts. A framework to increases awareness and address these behaviours is recommended.

Factors motivating intent to leave amongst radiographers employed by public tertiary hospitals in the Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Background: The elements of job satisfaction can be categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The presence of a higher level of intrinsic factors will result in increased motivation amongst employees, whilst extrinsic factors will result in job dissatisfaction. Decreased job satisfaction levels amongst healthcare professionals are known to create an intent to leave. Hence the need to explore these factors amongst radiographers employed by tertiary hospitals in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Objective: To determine the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors of job satisfaction on intent to leave amongst radiographers employed by public tertiary hospitals in the Gauteng province. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey guided the study, and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The sampling technique used for this study was disproportional stratified sampling. Results: The study had a response rate of 62%. A significant number of the participants (50%) were between the ages of 21-33 years. Also, worth noting that 51% of the participants were newly qualified, 28% were employed for a period of 10-20 years and only 20% were employed for a period greater than 20 years. Diagnostic radiography had the most number of participants at 55%, followed by radiation therapist at 24%, nuclear medicine radiographers at 13%, mammography radiographers at 5% and only 3% were sonographers. Pearson's correlation showed a significant negative correlation with the following extrinsic factors: supervision, r= -.344, p=.000; satisfaction with PMDS, r=-.302, p=.000; human resources processes, r=-.249, p=.001; infrastructure, r=-.236, p=.001; the OSD policy, r=-.233, p=.002; satisfaction with remuneration, r=-.202, p=.006; satisfaction with CPD activities, r=-.201, p=.007; and satisfaction with equipment, r=-.163, p=.029. Conclusion: Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors are associated with an intent to leave amongst radiographers employed by public tertiary hospitals in the Gauteng province.

Factors motivating intent to leave amongst radiographers employed by public tertiary hospitals in the Gauteng Province, South Africa

Background: The elements of job satisfaction can be categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The presence of a higher level of intrinsic factors will result in increased motivation amongst employees, whilst extrinsic factors will result in job dissatisfaction. Decreased job satisfaction levels amongst healthcare professionals are known to create an intent to leave. Hence the need to explore these factors amongst radiographers employed by tertiary hospitals in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Objective: To determine the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors of job satisfaction on intent to leave amongst radiographers employed by public tertiary hospitals in the Gauteng province. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey guided the study, and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The sampling technique used for this study was disproportional stratified sampling. Results: The study had a response rate of 62%. A significant number of the participants (50%) were between the ages of 21-33 years. Also, worth noting that 51% of the participants were newly qualified, 28% were employed for a period of 10-20 years and only 20% were employed for a period greater than 20 years. Diagnostic radiography had the most number of participants at 55%, followed by radiation therapist at 24%, nuclear medicine radiographers at 13%, mammography radiographers at 5% and only 3% were sonographers. Pearson's correlation showed a significant negative correlation with the following extrinsic factors: supervision, r= -.344, p=.000; satisfaction with PMDS, r=-.302, p=.000; human resources processes, r=-.249, p=.001; infrastructure, r=-.236, p=.001; the OSD policy, r=-.233, p=.002; satisfaction with remuneration, r=-.202, p=.006; satisfaction with CPD activities, r=-.201, p=.007; and satisfaction with equipment, r=-.163, p=.029. Conclusion: Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors are associated with an intent to leave amongst radiographers employed by public tertiary hospitals in the Gauteng province