Establishing a method to support academic and professional competence throughout an undergraduate radiography programme

Purpose: Radiography degree programmes are coming under increasing pressurefrom the community to ensure that graduates have not only the necessary academic developmentbut also the practice-based skills. This study aims to establish a method of monitoringstudents’ progress towards, and ability to meet, academic and professional competencesthroughout a radiography programme.Methods: Questionnaires were designed for students and academic staff to determine thestages and standards of progress of competence development, and to inform the review processof the current assessment tools throughout the programme. A literature search identifiedthe appropriate pedagogy as a basis for devising the method. Another questionnaire was distributedto overseas radiography institutions to gain insights into other assessment practicesto validate the framework.Results and discussion: It was established that years of study rather than semester periodswere appropriate to allow students to meet the standards. Discrepancies were noted in theexpectations between academic staff (higher expectations) and students (more realistic) interms of the pace of development expected. As students progress at different rates, and donot experience the same clinical exposure, their ability to meet expectations may differand so both sets of expectations were combined as a range of criteria. A multi-dimensionalassessment approach should be adequate to gauge students’ progress but time and resourceeffectiveness has not yet been addressed. The portfolio was identified as the pedagogy capableof integrating all the competence assessment tools, linked by reflective writing, to gatherindividual outcomes into a whole, and form a holistic framework.Outcome: The portfolio framework will initially run as a voluntary activity and standards ofprogress corresponding to the students’ stages will be delivered to participants in advance.Participants will be required to select materials and reflect on these, as evidence of development.Faculty members will provide support and feedback to students and oversee the wholeprocess

Networks and social capital: a relational approach to primary healthcare reform

Collaboration among health care providers and across systems is proposed as a strategy to improve health care delivery the world over. Over the past two decades, health care providers have been encouraged to work in partnership and build interdisciplinary teams. More recently, the notion of networks has entered this discourse but the lack of consensus and understanding about what is meant by adopting a network approach in health services limits its use. Also crucial to this discussion is the work of distinguishing the nature and extent of the impact of social relationships – generally referred to as social capital. In this paper, we review the rationale for collaboration in health care systems; provide an overview and synthesis of key concepts; dispel some common misconceptions of networks; and apply the theory to an example of primary healthcare network reform in Alberta (Canada). Our central thesis is that a relational approach to systems change, one based on a synthesis of network theory and social capital can provide the fodation for a multi-focal approach to primary healthcare reform. Action strategies are recommended to move from an awareness of 'networks' to fully translating knowledge from existing theory to guide planning and practice innovations. Decision-makers are encouraged to consider a multi-focal approach that effectively incorporates a network and social capital approach in planning and evaluating primary healthcare reform

From theory to practice: improving the impact of health services research

BACKGROUND: While significant strides have been made in health research, the incorporation of research evidence into healthcare decision-making has been marginal. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of how the utility of health services research can be improved through the use of theory. Integrating theory into health services research can improve research methodology and encourage stronger collaboration with decision-makers. DISCUSSION: Recognizing the importance of theory calls for new expectations in the practice of health services research. These include: the formation of interdisciplinary research teams; broadening the training for those who will practice health services research; and supportive organizational conditions that promote collaboration between researchers and decision makers. Further, funding bodies can provide a significant role in guiding and supporting the use of theory in the practice of health services research. SUMMARY: Institutions and researchers should incorporate the use of theory if health services research is to fulfill its potential for improving the delivery of health care