The purpose of the study was to survey MRI qualification and certification frameworks in the major English-speaking countries (Australia, New Zealand, US, Canada, UK, Ireland) with the aim of identifying elements of good practice. The intention is to incorporate these elements in a national framework that could be used in supporting an MRI specialist register. The study was conducted using document analysis of MRI qualification and certification documents from these states with data triangulated through a web-based questionnaire amongst an expert group of MRI radiographers (n = 59) from the same states. Based on the results of the study, recommendations have been put forward for those countries that are in the process of developing such frameworks. The main recommendations include that a professional or regulatory body externally accredits MRI programmes and that learning outcomes be based on an MRI competence profile that addresses current and forecasted needs of the particular country. The MRI competence profile should encompass a novice-to expert continuum and be referenced directly to a national qualification framework. Ideally each level of expertise should be assessed and evidenced by a portfolio of CPD activities, including clinical and management case studies appropriate to that level.
Purpose: The Council for the Professions Complementary to Medicine in Malta recently published a draft document regarding the introduction of mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) for radiographers. This study explored the attitudes and motivators of Maltese radiographers prior to the implementation of mandatory CPD in order to provide the necessary information required by management to develop CPD successfully. Concept maps are used as part of a methodology to analyse qualitative data.Methods: All radiographers working in the National Health Service were invited to complete an anonymous web-based questionnaire.
Results:The study showed that participants generally had a positive attitude towards CPD but were concerned about the mandatory aspect. The participants were mostly motivated by increasing professional knowledge, updating existing qualifications, and enhancing the status of the profession as a whole. Radiographers identified several difficulties with respect to CPD participation, such as lack of funding, lack of management support, and not enough local CPD opportunities. CPD participation was also negatively influenced by family commitments.
Conclusion:The study showed that the majority of radiographers were self-motivated to engage in CPD activities, but there were some concerns. Based on these results, the authors suggest recommendations for allaying apprehension and producing the necessary conditions for a successful mandatory CPD scheme.R ESUM E Objet: Le Council of Professions Complimentary to Medicine (CPCM) de la R epublique de Malte a publi e r ecemment une ebauche sur la mise en place de la formation professionnelle continue (FPC) obligatoire pour les technologues en radiologie. L' etude examine les r eactions et les motivations des technologues en radiologie du pays avant l'implantation de la FPC obligatoire pour recueillir les donn ees n ecessaires a la direction qui souhaite instaurer une FPC obligatoire r eussie. On a utilis e les cartes conceptuelles dans la m ethodologie d'analyse des donn ees qualitatives.M ethode: Tous les technologues en radiologie des services de sant e nationaux ont et e invit es a r epondre sans s'identifier a un questionnaire affich e sur le Web.R esultats: L' etude a d emontr e que les participants se montraient plutôt positifs a l' egard de la FPC, mais qu'ils s'inqui etaient qu'on la rende obligatoire. Ils etaient avant tout motiv es par l'augmentation des connaissances professionnelles, la mise a niveau des comp etences et la hausse g en erale du niveau de la profession. Parmi les difficult es cit ees par les technologues en radiologie au sujet de la participation a la FPC, citons le manque de fonds, le manque d'appui de la direction, le manque de formations r egionales. La participation a la FPC est aussi rendue difficile par les obligations familiales.Conclusion: L' etude a d emontr e que la majorit e des technologues en radiologie etaient motiv es a participer a des activit es de FPC, mais que certaines inqui etudes etaient pr esentes.A...
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