Perceptions of radiographers on reporting chest images at Public Hospitals in Malawi

Malawi health facilities' major challenge is inequalities in access to reporting services due to a shortage of radiologists to report on radiographic images. Radiographers in the developed world acquire formal training in image reporting, however, there is no postgraduate training programme in Malawi. Thus, there is a need to explore radiographers' perceptions of reporting chest images in Malawi's hospitals. The study aims to explore radiographers' perceptions of being tasked with the responsibility of reporting on chest images at public hospitals in Malawi.

The study was conducted through a quantitative cross-sectional design. Data was collected using a self-developed questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed with the assistance of a statistician using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 29. The measurement scales and questions included quantitative 10-point Likert. Statistical analysis used the Mann -Whitney U test.

Seventy-one (71) radiographers representing 81 % of the total population from five public hospitals participated in the study. The results from this study found that most radiographers (97.2 %) agreed that radiographers needed to report on chest images in the department. Findings demonstrated that the majority of radiographers (80.3 %) supported ongoing professional development, and of the radiographers (78.9 %) also agreed that reporting on chest images required post-graduate training. Overall confidence in reporting chest images was 81.6 % with no difference by years worked as a qualified radiographer (p=0.196) with the less than 10 years were as confident to report chest images as 10 years or more . Confidence in detecting abnormality on chest images (78.8 %) demonstrated no variation by years worked as qualified radiographer (p=0. 196) or level in department (junior of senior radiographer (p =0.323). Perceived impact of radiographer's involvement in chest image reporting to improved cost effective service delivery, work efficiently, and potential impact on patient care and safety.

Based on the findings of this study, there were positive perceptions among the majority of radiographers about the reporting of chest images in Malawi. It was recommended that policymakers change Malawi's health care policy, especially the radiological sector to allow radiographers to report on chest images.