Clinical decisions-making within diagnostic radiography - A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiography
• Clinical Decision-Making

Background:

• Clinical decision-making is integral to diagnostic radiography practice.
• Radiographers' decisions encompass pre-, intra-, and post-examination phases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize literature on clinical decision-making in diagnostic radiography.
• To identify key elements and knowledge gaps in radiographers' decision processes.
• To answer: How do diagnostic radiographers make clinical decisions?

Main Methods:

• Scoping review methodology was employed.
• Literature synthesis was conducted to describe and understand decision-making.

Main Results:

• Radiographers utilize clinical requests as a primary information source.
• Reliance on colleagues' opinions may supersede evidence-based practice when doubts arise.
• Factors like limited autonomy, insufficient request information, and time constraints impede effective decision-making.

Conclusions:

• Clinical decisions integrate diverse elements, knowledge types, and technical/organizational aspects.
• Enhancing decision-making elements and interprofessional collaboration with radiologists is recommended.
• Further research should address identified knowledge gaps to improve radiographers' autonomy and practice.