Theoretical knowledge of qualified radiographers in adult basic life support

Abstract

Research Objectives The first objective of this research study was to determine whether qualified radiographers are sufficiently updating themselves on changes within the European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation. The second objective of this research study was to evaluate qualified radiographers' knowledge in adult basic life support in relation to sudden cardiac arrest. Methodology A cross sectional, non-experimental exploratory research design was adopted to reach the objectives of the study. From a target population of 101 qualified diagnostic radiographers, a sample of 25 qualified radiographers was selected via the stratified random sampling technique. Data for this research study was collected via a semi-structured questionnaire which was designed by the author. The study had a response rate of 80%. Data Analysis Quantitative data obtained from closed ended questions was organized manually and analyzed by means of descriptive statistics. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data from open ended questions whereby quotes obtained directly from questionnaires were evaluated, simplified, grouped and presented in tables. An overall level of radiographers' knowledge in adult basic life support was calculated via the arithmetic mean percentage rate of radiographers' total score in questions testing knowledge on such topic. Results The study indicated that 15 out of 20 respondents (75%) have not taken the initiative to keep themselves updated on changes within the throughout the years of their radiography career. Moreover, the mean total score of qualified radiographers in questions testing the knowledge adult basic life support in relation to sudden cardiac arrest was found to be 43%. Conclusions & Recommendations From the research findings it may be concluded that radiographers' overall knowledge on adult BLS in relation to sudden cardiac arrest is low. Thereby, compulsory education and hands-on training in basic life support during working hours is highly recommended for radiographers to improve their current level of knowledge as well as overall confidence in this regard.