An evaluation of the educational requirements to practise radiography in the European Union. Issue 1 (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Couto, J.G.; McFadden, S.; Bezzina, P.; McClure, P.; Hughes, C.
• Is Part Of: Radiography. Volume 24:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 64
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: Regulations -- Requirements to practise -- Movement of professionals -- European Union -- Curricula -- Professional identity; EC European Commission -- ECTS European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System -- EFRS European Federation of Radiography Societies -- ESTRO European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology -- EU European Union -- EQF European Qualifications Framework -- HENRE Higher Education Network for Radiography in Europe -- ISRRT International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists -- KSC Knowledge, Skills and Competences -- RPD Regulated Professions Database -- RTT Radiation Therapist; 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.2017.07.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-8174

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Radiography is practised world wide, however, the definition of the profession varies across countries. As there is no regulation of the profession or education at EU level, different national regulations might result in educational differences that can compromise the movement of professionals or the safety of patients. The aim of this study was to identify the commonalities and discrepancies in national regulation of radiography. Methods: National competent authorities from all EU countries where the profession is regulated (n = 27) were invited to identify the legal requirements to practise radiography and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: One country does not regulate the profession in the EU. Although, a single profession is regulated in 83% of the cases, 21% regulate separate professions for different specialisms (diagnostic radiography, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine). All countries (n = 27) define education as requirement to practise, however, the academic level varies from secondary school to Master's degree with required programmes varying from 2 to 4 years and from 120 to 240 ECTS. In addition, the subjects covered in the education programme showed great heterogeneity. These subjects were not identified by 35% of the respondents (n = 23) and only 26% define the subjects in terms of competencies. Conclusion: Education is a requisite to practise all over the EU, however, the lack of EU-wide regulation leads to a variation of national regulations. These differences may lead to inhomogeneity of competencies being developed, compromising the movement of professionals across Europe and patient safety. Highlights: There is a variation in education requirements to practise across the EU. Different specialisms, workload, academic levels and curricula are required. Movement of radiographers between member-states may be compromised. There is potential to compromise patient safety when the movement occurs. Radiographer's professional identity may vary across the EU.