Training and development for radiographers' extended roles: a case of ad hoc implementation

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiography Education
• Professional Development

Background:

• Undergraduate radiography curricula are adapting to expanded role requirements.
• Significant postregistration training for extended roles is necessary.
• Current extended role training often lacks formal validation or accreditation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the quality and consistency of postregistration training for radiographers' extended roles.
• To explore imaging service managers' views on this training and recruitment practices.
• To identify concerns regarding current training provisions and their impact.

Main Methods:

• Survey of imaging service managers.
• Follow-up interviews with imaging service managers.
• Analysis of managers' perceptions of training quality and recruitment.

Main Results:

• Managers expressed concerns about the quality of available extended role training.
• Unaccredited development may pose career disadvantages for radiographers.
• Duplication of training by trusts indicates uncertainty about competence standards.

Conclusions:

• There are significant quality and consistency issues in postregistration extended role training for radiographers.
• The lack of accreditation and validation presents risks to radiographers and healthcare providers.
• Standardized and accredited training pathways are needed to ensure competence and efficiency.