Diagnostic radiography workforce expectations of learners against the 2023 HCPC standards of proficiency: Results of a UK Delphi study

Abstract

IntroductionThe UK Health and Care Professions Council revised the Standards of Proficiency for diagnostic radiographers in 2023 to reflect modern practices and service needs. This will impact on the training and assessment of learners throughout their programmes in order to support them to meet the threshold standards. MethodsA Delphi survey was distributed to UK diagnostic radiographers to ascertain the stage of training in which they expect each standard of proficiency to be demonstrated by the learner. ResultsNinety-four diagnostic radiographers responded to the survey and 58.5% (n = 55) completed the second round of the survey. Participants agreed on the stage of pre-registration training that 74.9% of standards should be met. However, for 19.6% of standards there was no consensus. In 5.5% of standards participants expected these to be met one year post qualification. ConclusionAgreement of when three quarters of the new Standards would be expected to be met during pre-registration training could support practice placement learning and assessment. However, there is some uncertainty around the Standards and the ability to provide appropriate resources, support, and expertise to enable learners to meet them. Implications for practiceThe consensus of expectations could inform stage appropriate learning opportunities aligned to the 2023 HCPC Standards within practice placements, and a standardised assessment, should the appetite be established. However, the UK diagnostic radiography profession still has some work to do in aligning expectations with the statutory regulatory body requirements and preparing all staff to support learners to meet all threshold standards at point of qualification.