<p>Radiography Advanced Practice in the United Arab Emirates: The Perceptions and Readiness of Mammographers</p>

Abstract

Introduction This study is a part of an effort to determine the challenges faced by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) radiographers towards role extension and advanced practice. It reflects the current practice and challenges facing role extension compared to international advancement. The study aimed to assess the radiographers who worked at mammography screening perception and readiness to accept role extension and advanced practice in mammography. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study using an online survey was conducted among radiographers who practice mammography. The survey captured demographics, qualifications, professional education, future development plans, interest in role extension, and incentive to pursue the mammography profession. Results Forty-five radiographers were invited to participate in the study the response rate was 71% (n=32), 34.4 (11%) were UAE nationals with the remainder being expats. The majority were young between 25 and 45 years old (84.4%), 81.3% hold a BSc qualification. 56.3% completed a post-qualification training specialized mammography certificate. 81% of the participants showed interest in role extension after appropriate education, training, and supervision by radiologists. Conclusion This study reports on the perceptions and readiness of radiographers on advanced practice within breast-screening centers. The results show acceptance and support after proper training, clear career pathway, and licensing body recognition. The role of the radiographer in the UAE is still growing.

Evaluation of Radiographers’ Experience in Mammography: An Explanatory Study

“…First, the small sample size certainly limited the validity of the results, highlighting the need for larger, well-designed studies with sufficient statistical power. However, our study sample size was similar to that of the study by Richli Meystre et al (6) and even exceeded that of the study by Abuzaid et al (13).…”

The changing concept of radiographer's role in UAE: An analysis of radiologists' opinions and acceptance

“…Radiographers have developed into fully autonomous advanced practitioners, but this role development has happened at different rates in different countries. Currently, there is no advanced practice recognised for radiographers in the UAE (10,13,23). From the results of this investigation, it is evident that radiologists within the UAE consider that there is potential for radiographers to receive advanced education so that advanced practice services may develop.…”

“…From the results of this investigation, it is evident that radiologists within the UAE consider that there is potential for radiographers to receive advanced education so that advanced practice services may develop. However, there is less support from experienced clinical radiologists for radiographers to contribute to an image interpretation role, which will only exacerbate the current shortage of radiologists in the UAE (13,14). According to reports, the effect of the shortage of radiologists has reached a critical level, with some hospitals having only one radiologist on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.…”

“…Most respondents stated that there is no recognised role advancement in the UAE currently in practice, despite most being aware of the global developments in the professional profiles of radiographers. This could be due to the lack of scope in the UAE, where radiographers want to be trained and educated to take on an advanced role, such as a reporting radiographer, or are not given the training and opportunity to do so (13,14). This aligns with the absence of a strong professional organization that provides support through the representation of radiographers to senior decision makers and drives the professional research, development and education agenda.…”

“…Currently, the radiographer's role in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is focused on image acquisition only. However, a recent study identified that radiographers are willing to accept advanced practice roles after appropriate education and training (13,14). Current literature investigates radiologists' attitudes towards radiographer role extension globally.…”