Radiographer reporting in the UK: is the current scope of practice limiting plain-film reporting capacity?

Abstract

Objective: To update knowledge on individual radiographer contribution to plain-film reporting workloads; to assess whether there is scope to further increase radiographer reporting capacity within this area. Methods: Reporting radiographers were invited to complete an online survey. Invitations were posted to every acute National Health Service trust in the UK whilst snowball sampling was employed via a network of colleagues, ex-colleagues and acquaintances. Information was sought regarding the demographics, geographical location and anatomical and referral scope of practice. Results: A total of 259 responses were received. 15.1% and 7.7% of respondents are qualified to report chest and abdomen radiographs, respectively. The mean time spent reporting per week is 14.5 h (range 1-37.5). 23.6% of radiographers report only referrals from emergency departments whilst 50.6% of radiographers have limitations on their practice. Conclusion: The scope of practice of reporting radiographers has increased since previous studies; however, radiographer reporting of chest and abdomen radiographs has failed to progress in line with demand. There remain opportunities to increase radiographer capacity to assist the management of reporting backlogs. Advances in knowledge: This study is the first to examine demographic factors of reporting radiographers across the UK and is one of the largest in-depth studies of UK reporting radiographers, at individual level, to date.

Expanding the role of radiographers in reporting suspected lung cancer: A cost-effectiveness analysis using a decision tree model

“…19 Despite recognition of the potential for an increased role for radiographers within radiology, implementation across England has been patchy. 20 An important area in which radiographers may contribute to streamlined patient pathways and increase diagnostic capacity is in reporting CXR for suspected lung cancer. Around seven million CXR were performed in the NHS in England in 2015-16 and the numbers are rising.…”

Increasing radiology capacity within the lung cancer pathway: centralised work‐based support for trainee chest X‐ray reporting radiographers

“…Leishman highlighted a lack of reporting radiographer online teaching resources relative to other health professions as a possible barrier to training . Lack of departmental support has also been found to hamper radiographer reporting education, which is particularly relevant given the relative paucity of radiographer CXR reporting in clinical practice when compared to skeletal reporting . The centralised support model developed addresses these barriers.…”

“…35 Lack of departmental support has also been found to hamper radiographer reporting education, 34 which is particularly relevant given the relative paucity of radiographer CXR reporting in clinical practice when compared to skeletal reporting. 25,36 The centralised support model developed addresses these barriers. Online education is often presented as a method of increasing training capacity.…”

“…It is estimated that 21% of imaging examinations, including X‐rays, magnetic resonance and ultrasound are reported by radiographers who have undertaken appropriate advanced practitioner education and training . However, uptake of radiographer reporting within NHS Trusts is variable, with some departments being exemplars of best practice and others with no or little utilisation of reporting radiographers’ skill set outside of ultrasound imaging . Maximising the contribution of the existing workforce is key to delivering the new models of care required to implement the Five Year Forward View .…”

“…24 However, uptake of radiographer reporting within NHS Trusts is variable, with some departments being exemplars of best practice and others with no or little utilisation of reporting radiographers' skill set outside of ultrasound imaging. 25 Maximising the contribution of the existing workforce is key to delivering the new models of care required to implement the Five Year Forward View. 26 All reporting radiographers must complete accredited post-graduate education to ensure they are safe, accurate and competent practitioners prior to reporting in clinical practice.…”