Exploring newly qualified radiographers' perception about competence in their work.

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this research study is to analyse whether newly qualified radiographers who trained locally consider themselves to be competent for their career as radiographers. The objectives are to determine the main aspects of radiography in which newly qualified radiographers, think they are most competent and least competent and to explore the possible reasons behind any lack of competence as perceived by radiographers. Methodology A survey research study with a descriptive non-experimental, cross-sectional design was developed to reach the aims of this study. The target population for this study were nineteen newly qualified radiographers with less than two years of experience. The researcher created a questionnaire which was sub-divided into nine categories according to associated roles and responsibilities of radiographers as reported by Williams and Berry (1999). After testing for validity and reliability, questionnaires were distributed. This study had a response rate of 79%. Results The study indicated that there are various aspects of radiography in which the newly qualified thought they were most competent. Some of these aspects are patient care, interpersonal roles and responsibilities, clinical roles and professional knowledge in general radiography and health and safety with regards to radiation protection measures. On the other hand, the newly qualified radiographers, felt less competent in clinical roles together with knowledge of specialised imaging modalities such as MRI, CT and RNI, technical roles with regards to exposure factors and administrative and health and safety issues such as fault reporting. Conclusions Overall the newly qualified radiographers were somewhat competent for their new career as radiographers following the four year degree programme.