Abstract
IntroductionRural radiographers require, over and above traditional radiographic expertise, additional competencies which to a certain degree are unique however not limited to rural practice. Previous studies, however, have focused more attention primarily on other rural health professionals such as doctors and nurses leaving a research need in this field. This article focuses on the additional competencies that may be required for rural radiographers.AimTo investigate and identify additional core competencies required by radiographers working in rural hospitals of KwaZulu-Natal in order to propose a continuous professional development strategy aimed at rural radiographers.MethodsAn exploratory sequential design was utilised with qualitative (Phase I) and quantitative (Phase II) strands involving seven participants and 109 respondents, respectively. Only radiographers working in rural KwaZulu-Natal hospitals were included in the study. The four major themes and categories identified in Phase I were used to develop data collection instrument for Phase II of the study.ResultsCollectively, the results revealed that there were a number of additional core competencies such as, but not limited to, teamwork, ability to do basic obstetric ultrasound scans, leadership, management and reporting on plain radiographs, all of which are required by rural radiographers. In 2014 when these competencies were checked against a single curriculum, it was found that majority of them were either partially covered or not at all covered.ConclusionThe study provides additional information on context specific core competencies and, therefore, may act as a catalyst to influence the future of radiographers working in rural areas of South Africa.
Highlights
IntroductionOver and above traditional radiographic expertise, additional competencies which to a certain degree are unique not limited to rural practice
Rural radiographers require, over and above traditional radiographic expertise, additional competencies which to a certain degree are unique not limited to rural practice
Radiographers working in rural areas need to have both extended and expanded competencies, which are context specific
Summary
Over and above traditional radiographic expertise, additional competencies which to a certain degree are unique not limited to rural practice. General radiography remains the first choice of imaging technique.[1,2] Radiographers are needed to provide radiographic services, as clinical support staff, which is an essential component of the rural health care team. These radiographers acquire core clinical and technical skills during training. Radiographers working in rural areas need to have both extended and expanded (additional) competencies, which are context specific These competencies and responsibilities are likely to be beyond the statutory responsibilities and competencies required for professional registration.[5]
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have