Radiography students' learning of plain X-ray examinations in clinical practice: An ethnographic study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Diagnostic Radiography
• Clinical Learning Environments

Background:

• Mastering plain X-ray examinations is fundamental for diagnostic radiography professionals.
• Clinical practice offers an authentic socio-cultural context for radiography students' learning journey.
• This study explores the nuances of radiography students' learning experiences in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and understand the learning processes of radiography students during plain X-ray examinations in clinical practice.
• To identify the factors influencing student learning within the clinical environment.

Main Methods:

• Interpretive ethnography approach was employed to study student learning.
• Data collection included observations, learning diaries, interviews with 17 radiography students, and researcher field notes.
• Constant comparative method was utilized for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Student learning is shaped by the clinical learning culture and prevailing learning styles (collaboration, solo work, following instructions).
• The depth of learning in imaging, patient care, and theoretical knowledge varied across these styles.
• Radiographer supervision and the student's learning space were identified as key influencing factors on learning outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The clinical learning culture presents diverse opportunities for socio-cultural learning in radiography education.
• Findings can inform the development and implementation of radiography student clinical practice curricula.
• Further research is recommended to enhance cooperative learning strategies within radiography programs.