Exploring radiographers' experience with mobile X-ray of patients in their homes

Abstract

Introduction: To offer citizens with frailty or dementia living in nursing homes or other institutions a less stressful and anxious X-ray examination, a Danish hospital offers to perform the examination in the citizen's residence. This has changed the working procedure for the radiographers performing the examination. The aim of this study was to explore if the radiographers self-perceived competencies have changed whilst working in the mobile X-ray unit and if so, how these competencies are utilised within the department-based medical imaging team. Method: This study had a qualitative design following a hermeneutic approach. Individual semi structured interviews included nine radiographers, four radiographers working in the mobile X-ray unit and five radiographers working exclusively in the medical imaging team. Results: Radiographers who worked in the mobile X-ray unit did acquire new competencies such as better communication and creative positioning skills. All nine participants recognised the advantage of sharing experiences and competencies with colleagues, and recommended a formal forum to do so. They sought opportunities for the use of the mobile X-ray unit to be more widespread within their own region, and within the profession. Conclusion:This study indicates that radiographers working with mobile X-ray unit gained new competencies in communication and positioning, but without spread of new knowledge to colleagues in the medical imaging team. Implication for practice: The use of home-based mobile X-ray is a new way to provide health care services and gain new competencies for the radiographers to focus on patient centred care.

How to set up a mobile X-ray unit in the community - Implementation initiatives for patient-centred care

“…16 This collaboration requires other competencies for radiographers working in a mobile unit, such as communication, flexibility, and innovation. 17 Studies have shown that a mobile X-ray unit can be cost-effective, as a Norwegian study found a 30% cost reduction by implementing a mobile X-ray service. 18 Also, a Swedish study found that mobile X-ray had a lower cost per examination than hospital examinations.…”

“…The mobile X-ray unit had one transportable digital radiography (DR) system. During the 2-year pilot period, three studies documented the project, 15,17,20 leading to a fully implemented mobile unit. The mobile unit examinations included both chest and skeleton examinations with a Sedecal Dragon SPLW 4.0 mobile X-ray system (La Ricamarie, France).…”