Establishing a radiography research culture – Are we making progress?

Editoria

Editors' choice paper (Volume 24, 2018)

Each year, the Radiography journal presents an award for the 'Editors' Choice' paper, selected from the previous year's five issues. For the 2018 selection, the Editors selected a shortlist of articles which both captured their interest and, where possible, met the following criteria

A tribute to a patient safety pioneer – Mr Robert L. Law

Editoria

Sonography culture: Power and protectionism

Introduction The project aimed to explore the culture of sonography through the interpretation of the attitudes and opinions of a sample of practicing sonographers concerning the possible introduction of the graduate sonographer role. The participants' insights to their working world provided a new understanding of the professional culture of sonography and its impact on collective behaviour. Methods A qualitative study was undertaken using a constructivist methodology within a critical theory framework. A sample population was selected using theoretical purposive sampling. The interview transcripts were thematically analysed. Results Analysis identified main themes: protectionism, power, working world and career frameworks; these were interlinked with cross-cutting sub-themes of value, status and professional identity. The shortage of sonographers and increasing demand for ultrasound services created an imbalance that had put sonographers in a very powerful position; able to influence sonographer working practice, education and remuneration. The interpretations suggested that the initial power base of sonographers was achieved through a culture of occupational imperialism (delegation down). However, as the occupational group became established and a workforce crisis deepened, a culture of usurpation and protectionism had evolved within sonography. Conclusions The culture of sonography had a longstanding relationship with tradition and value that provided an emotional and political platform. An increasing self-awareness of power and status, due to the workforce shortage, had fostered a usurpatory and protectionist culture encouraging resistance to any workforce transformation

Embedding consultant radiographer roles within radiology departments: a framework for success

Introduction: Many organisations struggle to clearly differentiate the radiographer consultant role from advanced or specialist practice, with newly appointed consultant practitioners often ill-prepared for working at this level. This article discusses the design, implementation and validation of an outcomes framework for benchmarking competencies for trainee or new-in-post consultant radiographers. Methods: Five experienced radiographers from different clinical specialisms were seconded to a twelve month consultant trainee post, guided by a locally-devised outcomes framework. A longitudinal qualitative study explored, from the radiographers’ perspective, the impact of the outcomes framework on the transition to consultant practice and beyond. Data collection included semi-structured interviews (months 1, 6 and 12), validation via a focus group (month 18) and a group interview (5 years). Results: Early interactions with framework objectives were mechanistic, but as participants better understood the role more creative approaches emerged. Despite diverse clinical expertise, the framework facilitated parity between participants, promoting transparency and credibility which was important in how the consultant role was perceived. All participants achieved all framework outcomes and were subsequently appointed to substantive consultant radiographer positions. Conclusion: This outcomes framework facilitates experienced radiographers to successfully transition into consultant radiographers, enabling them to meet multiple non-clinical targets while continuing to work effectively within a changing clinical environment. It is the first validated benchmarking tool designed to support the transition to radiographer consultant practice. Adoption of the tool will provide a standardised measure of consultant radiographer outcomes that will promote inter-organisational transferability hitherto unseen in the U

Health behavioural theories and their application to women's participation in mammography screening

The most effective method of detecting breast cancer amongst asymptomatic women is by mammography screening. Although, most countries have this preventive measure in place for women within their society; most of these programmes still struggle with women’s attendance. This article discusses four health behavioural theories and models, in relation to mammography screening, including the health belief model, theory of planned behaviour, trans-theoretical model, and the theory of care seeking behaviour that may explain the factors affecting women's participation in mammography screening. In summary, analysis of these theories indicates that the theory of care seeking behaviour has value for exploring the factors affecting women's participation in mammography screening. This is because of its sensitivity to socioeconomic differences that exists amongst women in the society, and that it has a broader construct (such as habit and external factors) compared to the other health behavioural theories