Establishing advanced practice for medical imaging in New Zealand

Abstract

IntroductionThis article presents the outcome and recommendations following the second stage of a role development project conducted on behalf of the New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technology (NZIMRT). The study sought to support the development of profiles and criteria that may be used to formulate Advanced Scopes of Practice for the profession. It commenced in 2011, following on from initial research that occurred between 2005 and 2008 investigating role development and a possible career structure for medical radiation technologists (MRTs) in New Zealand (NZ).MethodsThe study sought to support the development of profiles and criteria that could be used to develop Advanced Scopes of Practice for the profession through inviting 12 specialist medical imaging groups in NZ to participate in a survey.ResultsFindings showed strong agreement on potential profiles and on generic criteria within them; however, there was less agreement on specific skills criteria within specialist areas.ConclusionsThe authors recommend that one Advanced Scope of Practice be developed for Medical Imaging, with the establishment of generic and specialist criteria. Systems for approval of the overall criteria package for any individual Advanced Practitioner (AP) profile, audit and continuing professional development requirements need to be established by the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB) to meet the local needs of clinical departments. It is further recommended that the NZIMRT and MRTB promote and support the need for an AP pathway for medical imaging in NZ.

Establishing radiation therapy advanced practice in New Zealand

“…Resources and remuneration were reported by many as a barrier to implementing AP roles. This was an interesting finding as in the parallel medical imaging survey; resources and remuneration were reported as a barrier by considerably fewer of the respondents. It could be interpreted that as there are only eight radiation oncology departments in NZ, a relatively small workforce and at times a high turnover rate, could create concern about the employers' commitment to support AP roles in the longer term.…”

“…There are several recommendations that emerge from this research. These have been crafted jointly with the companion medical imaging article, as it is important that career development is considered as an integrated and consistent model for the whole profession. The authors recommend that: The NZIMRT and MRTB promote and support the development of an AP pathway for radiation therapy in New Zealand. There is one advanced scope of practice, titled Advanced Practitioner for the future career pathway, with generic and specialised criteria for each accepted profile. A Master's degree is the educational requirement for an AP role. A postgraduate diploma is the educational requirement for Specialist roles; for practitioners undertaking extended role activities but not in a formalised AP position. The MRTB develop appropriate standards of practice and specific continuing professional development requirements for the AP role. The University of Otago works with clinical radiation therapy departments to identify service needs for AP roles. Funding is identified to support the education and training required for each AP role. …”

“…This article reports on the results of the radiation therapy aspects of this research. A separate companion article will report the results for the medical imaging survey …”

Establishing advanced practice for medical imaging in New Zealand

“…I read with interest the recently published article on ‘Establishing advanced practice (AP) for medical imaging in New Zealand’ 1. The paper raises some significant issues pertinent to our profession and I am writing this letter to encourage discussion around this important field.…”

“…The profession may or may not be surprised at the suggestion that AP is not just about clinical skills 1. In the United Kingdom, the four domains of advanced and consultant practice are well established, with Clinical Leadership being seen by many as a priority,2,3 showing that education and support for AP roles can be widespread and diverse across a range of providers and is not restricted to clinical skills-based provision.…”