Patient centred care in diagnostic radiography (Part 3): Perceptions of student radiographers and radiography academics

Awareness is growing of the importance of patient centered care (PCC) in diagnostic radiography. PCC is embedded within professional body publications and guidance documents, but there is limited research evidence exploring the perceptions of student radiographers and radiography academics. This paper shares the findings of a research project seeking to define PCC in diagnostic radiography from the perspective of student radiographers and radiography academics.
This paper reports Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the project from the perspective of radiography academic and student radiographer participants, and compare these to the perspective of service users, clinical radiographers and radiography managers, reported previously. Stage 1 used an online survey tool to gauge participant agreement with a series of attitudinal statements. Stage 2 used situational vignettes to promote discussion and debate about PCC approaches. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Derby College of Health & Social Care Ethics committee.
Response rates to the Stage 1 survey were above the minimum threshold, with 50 responses from student radiographers and 38 responses from radiography academics. Stage 1 participants were asked to participate in Stage 2 on a voluntary basis. As with service users and service deliverers, care communication, event interactions and control over environment were the key influences on PCC. However, students highlighted differences between reported and observed levels of PCC.
There is some way to go to embed PCC in diagnostic radiography practice. As impartial observers of radiography practice, student radiographers highlight the difference between service users and service deliverer’s perceptions of PCC. Whilst the focus of clinical radiographers remains on efficiency it is difficult for student radiographers to challenge the accepted norm. Role models are required to promote PCC behaviours and a holistic approach in radiography practice.
A package of educational support and audit tools will be made available to support both service deliverers and student radiographers to deliver PCC.

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