The new role of Maltese radiographers in barium enema examinations.

Abstract

Purpose The role of the radiographer has been expanding significantly throughout recent years. This is also due with regards to the role of the radiographer in barium enema examinations. Although this role expansion and its implications have been assessed and studied in countries abroad, the researcher felt that no appropriate evaluation had yet been made locally. Thus the central aim of this study was to evaluate whether new work practices involving radiographers could be employed for barium enema examinations and also how this role is, or can further develop, within the local general hospital. Method This was done by carrying out semi-structured interviews with four radiographers, four radiologists as well as a member of the management to elicit their views and opinions. The questions asked during the interviews were devised by the researcher, after conducting a thorough review of the literature available. Results The results of the study indicated that locally the role of the radiographer in barium enemas is still developing. Radiographers are currently performing DCBEs on select criteria of patients; namely elective out-patients. Although guidelines for radiographer performed DCBEs have been set up within the local general hospital, they have yet to be implemented effectively. There seems to be room for improvement in the quality of radiographer performed DCBEs as these do not seem to be up to the necessary standards. Radiographers who completed their Barium enema CPD training course were required to provide preliminary reports on the technicalities of the examination as well as any relevant pathology; however this practice did not seem to gain any foothold within the imaging department. There seems to be some resistance from both some radiographers and radiologists. The possibility of establishing a radiographer-radiologist double reporting system is therefore still premature, even if considerable amount of literature points to the advantages of implementing such a system. Conclusion The researcher put forward recommendations based on the conclusions of the study. However, the researcher also acknowledges that these conclusions cannot be widely generalized as they apply solely to the present situation within one general hospital to which the study was limited.