On being dyslexic : student radiographers' perspectives

Murphy, FJ

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to provide an insight into life as a dyslexic student radiographer, identify
barriers and risks in clinical training, and develop recommendations for the support of students with
dyslexia. The paucity of research into dyslexia within the radiography profession is worrying, with
attention focused only on the support provided by Higher Education Institutions (HEI) or inferences
drawn from the experiences of other healthcare students. The impact and significance of dyslexia for
student radiographers in clinical practice has never been investigated.
Results: On a self-reporting scale of clinical tasks there was little or no difference between dyslexic
students and non-dyslexics. Some minor traits commonly associated with dyslexics were also reported
by students with no learning disabilities and an inclusion support plan for all students was advocated. Indepth
interviews of 10 student radiographers revealed six distinct themes of visualising the disability,
self-protection, strengths and talents, time, the badge of disability and adjustments and support. Like
other healthcare students, some radiography students reported significant difficulties and prejudices and
very little structured support in the clinical environment. Despite the Special Educational Needs and
Disability Act being in place for several years, the support in clinical departments fell significantly short
of that provided in the universities. The dyslexic students took extra responsibility for their own learning
and some had developed complex coping strategies to overcome any difficulties.
Conclusion: Several inclusive recommendations were developed as a result of this study that could be
used to support all students on clinical placement.

Citation

Murphy, F. (2010). On being dyslexic : student radiographers' perspectives. Radiography, 17(2), 132-138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2010.08.005

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 21, 2010
• Online Publication Date: Sep 30, 2010
• Publication Date: Sep 30, 2010
• Deposit Date: Dec 21, 2010
• Journal: Radiography
• Print ISSN: 1078-8174
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 132-138
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2010.08.005
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2010.08.005
• Related Public URLs: http://www.radiographyonline.com