Radiographer advanced and consultant practice and community diagnostic hubs - a vision for the future

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging and Diagnostics
• Healthcare Management
• Radiography Practice

Background:

• The Richards Report (2020) identified critical needs for enhancing diagnostic services.
• Community Diagnostic Hubs (CDHs) are proposed to improve patient access to diagnostic tests.
• Advanced and Consultant Clinical Practice (ACCP) in radiography is an evolving area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the Richards Report in the context of radiography.
• To examine current radiographer ACCP.
• To propose future ACCP roles within CDHs.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of the Richards Report.
• Overview of current radiographer ACCP.
• Synthesis of findings to propose future roles.

Main Results:

• The Richards Report recommends CDHs for improved diagnostic access.
• Radiographers demonstrate capability for expanded roles in ACCP.
• CDHs offer potential for new career pathways for advanced radiographers.

Conclusions:

• The proposed ACCP roles in CDHs are aspirational but achievable.
• This work supports discussions for professional development in radiography.
• Future practice models should prioritize patient-centered care.