Educational needs analysis of qualified radiographers in the domain of EU directives on medical devices and radiation protection.

Abstract

The purpose in performing this research study was primarily to assess the educational needs analysis of qualified radiographers currently working in the private and public sector in Malta and Gozo in the domain of the EU directives on medical devices and radiation protection. The aim was to determine whether there is the need for a course covering the EU directives, and to examine which is the preferred mode of acquiring this information. The level of knowledge obtained by the radiographers from the EU directives was correlated with the working experience. The research design was based on a quantitative approach in the post-positivist tradition. This was performed by producing a cross-sectional survey, which was distributed to the whole population - a total of 60 radiographers. 48 respondents were ultimately collected by dead line. The research tool was created by the researcher. The study revealed that the radiographers have an overall insufficient knowledge of the EU directives, and there is indeed need of a course in the area, to which the radiographers felt there was the necessity to have in a lecture format. There was no significant correlation between radiographer's knowledge and work experience. The researcher put forward some recommendations which are based on the results obtained from the study. These include intensive courses, further continuous professional development, and that all staff working in the radiology department should be made aware of these directives, resulting in better work performance in ordinance with the regulations.