Developing the image interpretation skills of South Pacific radiographers: a joint WHO/RANZCR/ISRRT project

There is a shortage of radiologists in the Pacific Island nations. To help 'fill the gap', a project was conducted between 2004 and 2006 aimed at upskilling radiographers from South Pacific countries in basic radiological interpretation of plain film radiographs. It was intended that the radiographers would act as a resource, identifying and describing abnormalities to the local doctors and nurses, thus reducing the risk of misdiagnosis. A total of 23 participants, including one doctor and three health-care assistants, attended a 2-week course in 2004 or 2005. The course covered common abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system, chest and abdomen. Although they found the course challenging, most participants performed satisfactorily. Follow-up visits to the radiographers and their nominated, medically qualified mentors emphasized interprofessional, sociocultural and workload challenges experienced by some of the radiographers in implementing their extended role. Most of them, however, had found ways to integrate their new knowledge and skills into their clinical practice. Thirteen radiographers attended a further 1-week refresher course in 2006, showing their commitment to continued learning.