| Summary: | Introduction: Australian X-ray operators (XROs) are health workers qualified with a limited radiography
licence to perform basic radiography examinations in rural areas of Australia. However, no previous study
explored Western Australian (WA) XROs' radiography practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate
WA XROs’ self-perceived competence in the general radiography practice, and barriers and facilitators
to their competence for determination of appropriate strategies to improve quality and safety of
the radiographic service provided by them.
Methods: Institutional review board approval and informed consent from participants were obtained.
Interviews were conducted with theWA XROs to obtain demographic information and identify their selfperceived
competence in the general radiography practice, and the barriers and facilitators to their
competence. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data.
Results: A total of nine interviews were conducted (eight nurses and one paramedic). Participants
indicated that they felt highly competent in patient care in radiography and adequately competent in the
production of diagnostically acceptable images. The self-perceived barriers include overload of responsibilities,
a lack of continuing professional development, and inadequacy of communication, support
and XRO courses. The facilitators, post-qualification/course training, support in undertaking examinations,
primary professional roles and a small population of the rural and remote areas were identified.
Conclusion: Based on interview data from nine WA XROs, the perception is that they have competence
adequate for providing an acceptable quality radiographic service.
Implications for practice: A continuous XRO course review, and provision of a video conference support
channel, an online XRO networking forum and additional XROs and/or radiographers working with XROs
undertaking the radiography examinations were perceived as the appropriate strategies to improve the
WA XROs’ radiography practice. However, these require financial and/or managerial support from
governments
|
|---|