Education and training of radiography practitioners when caring for people living with dementia

Higgins, Robert; Spacey, Adam; Innes, Anthea

Abstract

Background: Despite abundant literature on the diagnosis of dementia, limited research has explored the lived experiences by radiography practitioners when delivering care to people living with dementia (PLWD).

Method: A two-phase qualitative multi-method study was used to explore the perceptions and compatibility of current professional guidance by both radiography practitioners and key stakeholders involved in developing the Society and College of Radiographers clinical practice guideline document for caring for people with dementia. Fifteen diagnostic and two therapeutic radiography practitioners from across the UK participated with three asynchronous online focus groups. One core member and three members from the key stakeholder group participated with individual semi-structured interviews. Data analysis included narrative and thematic analysis.

Results: Participants from both stages identified enablers and barriers to providing care to PLWD. One key theme that emerged was the need for role specific education and training rather than current generic resources from other disciplines so that radiography practitioners have the knowledge, attitude and skills needed to deliver good care to PLWD. However, it was acknowledged that sustaining dementia training could be difficult in a busy department.

Conclusion: Dementia training needs to be specifically tailored for radiography practitioners to bridge the gap between guidelines and clinical practice rather than being generalised from other disciplines. Dementia-related education should be available at pre-registration and post-registration (continuing professional development) levels

Citation

Higgins, R., Spacey, A., & Innes, A. (2023, June). Education and training of radiography practitioners when caring for people living with dementia. Presented at UK Imaging & Oncology Congress 2023

• Presentation Conference Type: Speech
• Conference Name: UK Imaging & Oncology Congress 2023
• Start Date: Jun 7, 2023
• End Date: Jun 7, 2023
• Publication Date: Jun 7, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jun 8, 2023
• Keywords: Dementia, Radiography Practitioner, Education, Training
• Publisher URL: https://www.ukio.org.uk/