A survey of Swedish radiographer's need for knowledge at advanced level

There are uncertainties about whether current advanced-level courses provide the knowledge needed to develop the profession for radiographers in Sweden. The aim of this study was to investigate Swedish radiographers' perceived need for additional post-registration knowledge in their profession and their need for education at advanced level.

Swedish radiographers were invited to participate in a national electronic survey between November and December 2022. The survey encompassed demographics and 22 inquiries covering domains concerning radiographer's educational needs and motivations, educational type, and the employer's influence on radiographers' higher education pursuits. The pilot-tested survey used both open-ended questions and questions answered with a 10-point Likert scale. Analysis was performed using linear regression and ANOVA, as well as latent content analysis.

In total, 326 respondents participated in the survey, representing all 21 county councils in Sweden. The highest ranked reasons for desiring increased knowledge were to increase patient safety and increase the quality of examinations. Radiographers preferred to study during paid working hours, in university/college, with the possibility to undertake a master's degree in radiography; however, staff shortages hampered this development. Moreover, women expressed a greater desire to pursue further studies than men.

Swedish radiographers expressed a high concern for enhancing the quality of examinations and patient safety, and to succeed, they wanted to study during paid working hours at university/college with the possibility of taking a master's degree in radiography.

The requirement by law of regulated modality-based specialization positions for radiographers, leading to a demand for advanced-level courses at universities/colleges for all current methods in radiology departments, would increase the quality of examinations and treatments, as well as patient safety.