Understanding experiences of the radiography workforce delivering medical imaging as part of patients' end of life care: An exploratory qualitative interview study.

Spacey, A; Heaslip, V; Szczepura, K

Abstract

People nearing the end of life often require medical imaging in hospitals to manage symptoms and care, despite this little is known about the experiences of those delivering it. The aim of this study is therefore to explore the experiences of the radiography workforce delivering medical imaging as part of patients' end-of-life care. Qualitative design using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. A total of 8 participants participated in the study including registered diagnostic radiographers (n=5), imaging assistants (n=2) and assistant practitioners (n=1). All have been involved in the medical imaging of patients receiving end of life care in UK hospitals. Findings identified an absence of end of life care policy guidance and education accessible to radiography staff, limiting their ability to provide evidenced based care for those nearing the end of life during medical imaging examinations. Findings also suggest difficulty in identifying patients receiving end of life care further hindered staffs' ability to adapt their care to provide a more person-centred approach. Lastly, the workforce felt an accumulative emotional burden following their interactions with patients nearing the end of life. There is a clear need to develop policy and education to support the radiography workforce to ensure care is appropriately identified and adapted to those nearing the end of life. Furthermore, staff support and wellbeing needs to be considered. Future research is required exploring the patient perspective to understand their experiences so that the education and practice provision is driven by patient need. International exploration of end of life care in medical imaging is recommended to explore whether similar challenges related to clinical practice exist in other countries. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.]

Citation

Spacey, A., Heaslip, V., & Szczepura, K. (2024). Understanding experiences of the radiography workforce delivering medical imaging as part of patients' end of life care: An exploratory qualitative interview study. Radiography, 30(1), 132-140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2023.10.019

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 24, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Nov 2, 2023
• Publication Date: 2024-01
• Deposit Date: Nov 3, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 6, 2023
• Journal: Radiography
• Print ISSN: 1078-8174
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 132-140
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2023.10.019
• Keywords: Terminal care, Qualitative research, Palliative care, Delivery of health care, Emotional distress, Cancer