The College of Radiographers' Education and Career Framework (fourth edition): Exploring the guideline implementation...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Policy and Management
• Radiography Professional Development
• Translational Science in Medical Imaging

Background:

• The College of Radiographers (CoR) released the fourth edition of the Education and Career Framework (ECF) in 2022 to guide radiography careers and enhance patient care.
• Successful adoption of the ECF requires a strategic approach to bridge the gap between policy publication and practical implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the translational gap in the implementation of the CoR's Education and Career Framework (ECF).
• To identify barriers and enablers to the ECF's adoption within the diagnostic radiography profession.
• To develop evidence-based recommendations for enhancing ECF implementation and impact.

Main Methods:

• An observational mixed-methods study utilizing Normalisation Process Theory (NPT).
• National consultation survey (n=142) and four consultation workshops (7-11 participants each) conducted in England.
• Quantitative data analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics; qualitative data analyzed using the framework approach.

Main Results:

• Five core themes emerged from the NPT-guided analysis: coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, reflexive monitoring, and barriers/enablers to real-world implementation.
• Identified specific gaps in the workforce's reception and utilization of the ECF.
• Data collected between April-June 2023.

Conclusions:

• The study identified critical implementation gaps for the ECF within the diagnostic radiography profession.
• Developed study-derived, stakeholder-linked recommendations grouped into four strategic priorities aligned with NPT domains.
• Enacting these recommendations is crucial for translating the ECF into tangible improvements in radiography practice, service delivery, and patient outcomes.