Radiologists’ perceptions of knowledge and training required by radiographers in the interpretation of radiographic images: An explorative study in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa

Abstract

IntroductionThe health sector of South Africa is burdened by the shortage of radiologists leading to the under-reporting of radiographic images and ultimately mismanagement of patients. Previous studies have recommended training of radiographers in radiographic image interpretation in order to improve the reporting. There is paucity of information regarding the knowledge and training required by radiographers to interpret radiographic images. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore the knowledge and training required by diagnostic radiographers, according to radiologists, for the interpretation of radiographs. MethodA qualitative descriptive study employing criterion sampling to select qualified radiologists practicing in the eThekwini district of the KwaZulu Natal province, was conducted. One-on-one and in-depth, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from three participants. The interviews were not carried out face to face as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic and the regulation of social distancing. This did not permit engagement with research communities. The data from the interviews were analysed using Tesch's eight steps for analysing qualitative data. ResultsFindings revealed that radiologists supported the interpretation of radiographic images by radiographers in rural settings, and for the radiographer's scope of practice to be restructured to include the reporting of chest and the musculoskeletal system images. The themes that emerged from the analysis included knowledge, training, clinical competencies and medico-legal responsibilities required by radiographers in the interpretation of radiographic images. ConclusionAlthough the radiologists support the training of radiographers in the interpretation of radiographic images, radiologists think that the scope of practice should be limited to the interpretation of the chest and musculoskeletal systems in rural areas only.