Factors influencing the development and implementation of advanced radiographer practice in Australia – a qualitative study using an interpretative phenomenological approach

Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences

Barbara A. Page MMRS¹  Maree Bernoth PhD, MEd(Adult Ed & Training), BHlthSc(Nurs) RGerN, RPN² 

[1] School of Dentistry and Health Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia;School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia

关键词: Advanced practice;    interpretative phenomenological approach;    phenomenology;    professional boundaries;    radiographer reporting;    sonographers;   

DOI  :  10.1002/jmrs.62

来源: Wiley

【 摘 要 】

Abstract

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to explore the factors influencing the implementation or the lack of implementation of advanced practitioner role in Australia.

Methods

This study uses an interpretative phenomenological approach to explore the in-depth real life issues, which surround the advanced practitioner as a solution to radiologist workforce shortages in Australia. Research participants are radiographers, radiation therapists and health managers registered with the Australian Institute of Radiography (AIR) and holding senior professional and AIR Board positions with knowledge of current advanced practice.

Results

In total, seven interviews were conducted revealing education, governance, technical, people issues, change management, government, costs and timing as critical factors influencing advanced practice in Australia.

Conclusions

Seven participants in this study perceived an advanced practice role might have major benefits and a positive impact on the immediate and long-term management of patients. Another finding is the greater respect and appreciation of each other's roles and expertise within the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Engagement is required of the critical stakeholders that have been identified as ‘blockers’ (radiologists, health departments) as well as identified allies (e.g. emergency clinicians, supportive radiologists, patient advocacy groups). The research supports that the AIR has a role to play for the professional identity of radiographers and shaping the advanced practice role in Australia.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC-ND   
© 2014 The Authors. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences published by Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd on behalf of Australian Institute of Radiography and New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technology.

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.