Radiographer reporting in the UK: A longitudinal analysis. Issue 2 (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Snaith, B.; Hardy, M.; Lewis, E.F.
• Is Part Of: Radiography. Volume 21:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 123
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Diagnostic imaging -- Periodicals; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Diagnostic Imaging -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Imagerie pour le diagnostic -- Périodiques; Radiothérapie -- Périodiques; Cancer -- Radiothérapie -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2014.10.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-8174

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="en" abstract-type="author" id="abs0010"> <title id="sectitle0010">Abstract</title> <sec> <title id="sectitle0015">Introduction</title> <p id="abspara0010">Radiographer reporting of plain film radiographs is an established role in the UK. Despite this previous research has demonstrated widespread inconsistencies in implementation, scope and utilisation.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0020">Method</title> <p id="abspara0015">A cross-sectional postal survey was undertaken to provide a longitudinal insight into changes in radiographer reporting practice. The sample comprised all individual hospital sites in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man with both a radiology and trauma service</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0025">Results</title> <p id="abspara0020">A response rate of 63.7% (<italic>n</italic> = 325/510) was achieved. Reporting radiographers were in place at 179 sites (55.1%) but less likely to be employed at sites with a minor injury unit rather than a full emergency department (<italic>χ</italic><sup>2</sup> = 71.983; <italic>p</italic> < 0.001; d.f. = 1). Radiographer utilisation has increased since 2007, although local barriers to implementation and activity were identified. Geographical variation was evident in relation to reporter employment and anatomical scope. A significant association was noted between broader anatomical scope and a wider range of referral sources (<italic>χ</italic><sup>2</sup> = 34.441; <italic>p</italic> < 0.001; d.f. = 1). Delayed reporting of radiographs remains the standard service delivery model across the UK.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0030">Conclusion</title> <p id="abspara0025">This study confirms the significant contribution that radiographers are making to reporting capacity in the UK, although there continue to be geographical variations, particularly around anatomical scope and referral groups.</p> </sec> </abstract>