Radiographers' attitudes to skill mix changes

Abstract

Purpose: To establish the views of a large, random sample of diagnostic radiographers to the issue of potential changes in the skill mix of their departments. To raise questions about workers' views of job security, future employment, professional standards and boundaries, and trade union orientations. To establish whether managers have more positive attitudes towards skill mix changes than clinical staff. To establish any differences in attitudes between staff working in NHS Trusts and staff working in Directly Managed Units. Methods: A comprehensive 37-point questionnaire. Extensive literature search (not included). Results: A clear difference in attitude between managers and clinical staff was observed in three questions, with managers displaying a more positive attitude to skill mix changes. Differences in attitudes between staff employed in Trusts and Directly Managed Units was observed in only one question. Conclusion: Overall, radiographers have negative attitudes to the issue of skill mix changes. There is an observed tendency for managers to have a more positive attitude towards skill mix changes than clinical staff. Staff employed in Trust hospitals appeared more defensive of job territory than staff employed in Directly Managed Units.