A challenging work environment: The lived experiences of Eswatini diagnostic radiographers in the public health sector.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic radiographers play a vital role in healthcare so it is important for senior management to understand radiographer's duties and work experiences. There has been a number of studies conducted on the experiences of radiographers in other countries like the United Kingdom and South Africa. From these studies a number of work place challenges were identified. In the Eswatini healthcare context, there has been no research conducted on the daily experiences of diagnostic radiographers working in Eswatini. The country's leadership aims to attain its Vision 2022 which focusses on the attainment of the millennium development goals. This vision affects all healthcare professions so for it to be successful, it is imperative to understand what it means to be a diagnostic radiographer working in the country of Eswatini. This paper aims to address this gap in literature. AIM: The aim of this paper is to explore and describe the lived experiences of Eswatini diagnostic radiographers working in the public health sector. METHODS: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and phenomenological design was utilised. Participants were purposively sampled within the public health sector. Diagnostic radiographers participated voluntarily and willingly consented to participate in focus group interviews (n = 18). RESULTS: A challenging work environment emerged as a principal theme from the participants narratives with 6 sub-themes namely: Lack of resources and consumables, Shortage of radiographers, Absence of radiologists, Lack of proper radiation monitoring and safety, Poor remuneration, Stagnant professional growth. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study provided new insights into what Eswatini radiographers are experiencing in the public health sector. It is evident that there are a number of challenges which need to be addressed by the Eswatini management in order to successfully implement Vision 2022. Based on this study, there is the potential for a future study on the development of a professional identity for radiographers in Eswatini.

A practical guide for radiographers focussing on safety during magnetic resonance imaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) poses some risk when adequate safety measures are not adhered to. Despite efforts on MRI safety, incidents still occur in MRI. Extensive training on MRI safety is essential to protect patients, staff and the public from the risks associated with magnetic fields. Safety issues in MRI include projectile and torque effects on ferromagnetic objects, thermal effects, claustrophobia and adverse reactions to contrast agents. Radiographers operating MRI scanners play a vital role in ensuring that all who enter the MRI environment adhere to the safety measures. However, radiographers are faced with challenges that impact how safety issues are monitored. This Continuing Professional Development article is aimed at highlighting these challenges and providing radiographers with some practical guidelines for these challenges.