Soft skills and hard lessons: the future of radiography education in the UK

Sloane, Charles ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5343-7626 and Miller, Paul K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5611-1354 (2016) Soft skills and hard lessons: the future of radiography education in the UK. In: UK Radiological Congress (UKRC), 6-8 June 2016, ACC Liverpool, UK.

Preview

PDF - Presentation Available under License CC BY Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

The diagnostic radiography BSc curriculum has not seen fundamental changes in recent years with the focus of study predominantly centred around the development of competencies within projection/plain radiography accompanied by a limited experience in a range of other imaging modalities. The operation of a modern imaging department now involves the utilisation of a wide variety of imaging modalities many of which have seen large increases in their workload. The study reports of the findings generated from 20 semi-structured interviews undertaken with radiology service managers from across the United Kingdom. An interview schedule was generated which was developed to elucidate: recent changes in working practices within imaging departments; additional training which needs to be provided for recent graduates and the skills required for the future workforce.
The results were analysed using a Straussian Grounded Theory approach in which responses were coded and then grouped using thematic analysis.
Results showed the current model of education only partly supports the needs of the modern workforce imaging with specific concerns raised regarding the communication skills, professionalism and clinical skills of newly qualified graduates. Managers foresee the continuing development of the four tier structure; further increases in the workload associated with all modalities and the increasing need for ‘specialisation’ at an earlier stage the career of the Radiographer. Projection imaging, mobile and theatre work will continue to play a central part within the imaging department and should be a primary consideration of the development of future curricula though not all graduates may utilise these skills.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Speech)
Related URL(s):	Organisation
Departments:	Academic Departments > Medical & Sport Sciences (MSS) > Health and Medical Sciences
Depositing User:	Paul Miller
Date Deposited:	15 Jul 2016 10:49
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 15:16
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/2394

Downloads