A two-phase study to explore whether student radiographer attrition can be predicted and to improve understanding of high attrition rates from undergraduate diagnostic radiography degrees in England.

Background: Little research has been undertaken into the high rates of attrition from Diagnostic Radiography programmes. This two-phase study explored risk factors and experiences that may lead to attrition along with strategies that have enabled students to overcome these and continue their studies. Methods: Phase one – Quantitative, retrospective analysis of data from 2009-2014 for 579 past undergraduate student diagnostic radiographers from three English universities using non-parametric statistical tests and logistic regression. Data analysed included demographic and educational characteristics. Phase two - Qualitative national online survey of 168 current undergraduate student diagnostic radiographers to further explore findings from phase one. Results: From the retrospective data, an attrition rate of 19% was reported with 45% non-completers leaving for personal reasons. Peak attrition was at 12 months. Increased age, non A-level entry qualifications and poor academic performance were identified as risk factors for attrition (p<0.005). From the survey data, a response rate of 5% was achieved. The majority of students who had considered leaving reported multiple reasons. Results suggested that for mature students, external pressures were likely to be the greatest cause of attrition; for younger students, academic difficulty and workload. Poor academic performance may result from both of these situations. Entry qualification was not identified by students as an issue and was not likely to be the cause of increased attrition for students holding these; the majority of these students were mature and many of the complex difficulties reported related to this rather than other problems. However, several of the younger students holding these qualifications reported academic struggling which may require consideration. Appropriate support was identified by students as key in their decisions to continue

The academic radiography workforce: Age profile, succession planning and academic development.

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record.Introduction: Academia is one area of practice in which radiographers can specialise; they compile approximately 2% of the total radiography profession in the UK, but are highly influential and essential for the education and development of the workforce in addition to undertaking research. However, the academic environment is very different to clinical practice and a period of transition is required. Methods: Data were collated to explore the age and retirement profile of the academic radiography workforce in the UK; to understand the research time allocated to this workforce; the time required to develop a clinical radiographer into an academic and the mentorship and succession planning provisions nationally. An online UK wide survey was conducted and sent to all 24 Universities delivering radiography education within the UK. Results: Eighteen out of 24 Universities in the UK responded to the survey. Approximately 30% of radiography academics are due to retire over the next ten years, with over 25% of radiographers who currently hold a doctorate qualification included within this figure. Those entering academia have notably lower qualifications as a group than those who are due to retire. Developing clinical radiographers into academics was thought to take 1-3 years on average, or longer if they are required to undertake research. Conclusion: There is vulnerability in the academic radiography workforce. Higher education institutions need to invest in developing the academic workforce to maintain research and educational expertise, which is underpinned by master’s and doctorate level qualifications

Understanding student radiographer attrition: Risk factors and strategies

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordIntroduction Diagnostic student radiographer attrition is reported at 14%, 6% higher than the average for higher education, however, little research has been undertaken on this subject. This study explored risk factors for attrition and strategies that enabled these to be overcome. Methods A two-phase study was undertaken. Phase one: data for 579 former student diagnostic radiographers (468 completers and 111 non-completers) from 3 English universities were analysed. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for completion based on individual characteristics. Phase two: content analysis of data from an online survey of 186 current UK student diagnostic radiographers exploring their experiences was undertaken. Results Phase one: Attrition was 19%. Increased age, non A-level entry qualifications and poor academic performance were predictors of attrition (p < 0.005). Phase two: Challenges reported by groups identified as ‘at risk’ showed that for mature students and those with non-traditional entry qualifications, external responsibilities/pressures and financial pressures were likely to be the greatest cause of attrition and for younger students with traditional qualifications, academic difficulty and excessive workload were most significant. Scientific learning and academic writing were identified as the most common academic difficulties by all groups. Poor mental health may also be a risk factor. Conclusion Although characteristics were identified that increased the chance of attrition, the study concluded that attrition is most likely to be multi-factorial. Academic and personal support were identified as key in students continuing their studies when they considered leaving. Clinical placement experience is likely to influence continuation decisions. Implications for practice Transparency around course expectations and academic requirements together with ensuring high quality clinical placements may assist in reducing attrition.University of ExeterNational Institute for Health Research (NIHR