Health promotion in radiographic practice

Abstract

Purpose To discover what opportunities are available for radiographers to develop and implement health promotion activities in their professional practice. Methods A workshop was conducted at the 10th International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists Teachers' Seminar held at the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom from 28 July to 2 August 1996. A total of 39 delegates from over 15 countries attended the 3 h workshop to consider the role of health promotion in radiographic practice. Results There was a strong belief that health promotion activities should be the responsibility of all health professionals, and that special training is required if effective strategies are to be adopted. Participants were positive about the relevance and potential opportunities for health promotion activities in radiographic practice, and many examples of potential opportunities within the context of disease prevention, health protection and health education were highlighted. Conclusions The benefits of radiographers adopting a health promotion strategy in radiographic practice is that whilst they will retain their specialist skills they will also have a wider, more generalist, role in developing the health of the nation.