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Radiographers reporting chest X-ray images: Identifying the service enablers and challenges in England, UK

Stevens, B J; Skermer, L; Davies, J

Authors

L Skermer

J Davies



Abstract

Introduction
The chest x-ray (CXR) is the most commonly performed x-ray examination in England, UK. Reporting radiographers provide a cost-effective and safe solution for managing CXR backlogs, but not all Trusts support this service development. This study aimed to establish the service enablers and challenges associated with training and employing radiographers to report CXR images in acute hospital sites in England, UK.
Methods
Approval for this electronic survey was granted in 84 of 146 (58%) Trusts approached. The survey was open for 10 weeks during August to October 2020, comprising of qualitative and quantitative questions. Data was exported in to an Excel spreadsheet where manual thematic analysis was performed. Descriptive statistics were also generated.
Results
Sample size was 75 (89% response rate). Thirty-three departments (44%) had at least one trainee. Most departments (n = 53, 71%) employ at least one CXR reporting radiographer. A total of 121/160 (76%) radiographers report CXRs. Number of reporting sessions shows progression. Factors enabling training and employment arise from service improvements, financial pressures, and developing the workforce. The main challenges relate to staffing issues with a number of associated sub-themes. A small faction indicated lack of radiographer interest to report CXRs due to litigation worries; possibly uncovering a new and emerging issue.
Conclusion
Enablers and challenges associated with radiographers reporting CXRs are similar to previous studies. The growth of CXR reporting radiographers and reporting sessions indicates a continuing reliance on radiographers to contributing to managing CXR backlogs.
Implications for practice
It is recommended that potential trainees are explicitly informed of the legal protection that will be provided, to prevent accountability concerns impacting on the continuing progression in this area of advanced practice.

Citation

Stevens, B. J., Skermer, L., & Davies, J. (2021). Radiographers reporting chest X-ray images: Identifying the service enablers and challenges in England, UK. Radiography, 27(4), 1006-1013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2021.03.006

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 21, 2021
Online Publication Date Apr 16, 2021
Publication Date 2021-11
Deposit Date Feb 13, 2024
Journal Radiography
Print ISSN 1078-8174
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 27
Issue 4
Pages 1006-1013
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2021.03.006
Keywords Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging