Unprofessional practice and student professionalism dilemmas: What can radiography learn from the other health professions?. Issue 4 (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hale, T.; Wright, C.
• Is Part Of: Radiography. Volume 27:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 1211
• Page End: 1218
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Professionalism -- Dilemma -- Radiography -- Radiology -- Healthcare -- Student; 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.2021.06.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-8174

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Professionalism in radiography is a complex, multidimensional concept seldom investigated. During clinical placements, students may observe or be involved in unprofessional practice/professionalism lapses which result in professionalism dilemmas. Establishing what constitutes a professionalism dilemma and what action to take may be challenging for students and also practitioners. This is due to unclear reporting pathways and fear of retribution, both deterrents to raising concerns. The aim of this integrative literature review was to investigate how and why professionalism dilemmas occur. In addition, to explore the types of dilemma students experience during clinical placement and to contextualise and reflect on these findings within radiography. Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar and the grey literature were reviewed, analysed and themed. Key findings: Twenty-eight papers (published between 2004 and 2020) were analysed and summarised. Four themes emerged, and were discussed within the radiography context; the nature of professionalism lapses (mistreatment, verbal abuse, exclusion and intimidation), reasons for professionalism lapses (burnout and poor role modelling), student response at the time of the professionalism dilemma (accept, resist or report) and long-term impacts on students (moral/emotional distress, professional development and choice of career). Conclusion: Professionalism dilemmas are not reported in the radiography literature but are cited in radiology and other health professions studies. Student experiences of such dilemmas can be profound and long lasting. Thus, research is required to investigate specifically the professional dilemmas experienced by radiography students in the unique environment in which they develop their clinical skills. Implications for practice: The literature review findings can be used to support the development of strategies to enhance future teaching and modelling of professionalism and develop related research in radiography.