Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2025
Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
Diagnostic radiographers' lived experiences of trauma imaging
1Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Introduction:
Gauteng in South Africa experiences a high volume of trauma cases that necessitate hospital admissions and medical interventions. As part of the healthcare team, radiographers are responsible for imaging patients with trauma injuries. Treating patients with trauma injuries has a significant impact on the psychological functioning of healthcare workers. Therefore, it was essential to understand diagnostic radiographers' experiences during trauma imaging.
Methods:
A qualitative approach with a phenomenological research design was used. Individual interviews were conducted with qualified diagnostic radiographers experienced in trauma imaging who were purposively sampled from private and public trauma healthcare settings in the Gauteng province. The interview data were thematically analysed.
Results:
Three themes and related subthemes were generated: 1) Adverse effects of trauma imaging with the subthemes, professional emotional saturation, desensitisation and vicarious traumatisation; 2) Managing the effects of trauma imaging with the subthemes, preparedness and coping strategies; 3) Developing from trauma imaging experiences with the subthemes post-traumatic growth and professional dedication.
Conclusion:
Diagnostic radiographers shared that trauma imaging negatively affected them emotionally, compounded by inadequate support and resources. Those with prior exposure to trauma imaging or personal trauma experiences coped better. Despite these challenges, radiographers valued their roles and the chance to improve their skills, expressing a strong passion for their profession and a commitment to their patients' well-being. Diagnostic radiographers would benefit from counselling services and opportunities to debrief.
Implications For Practice:
This study provides valuable insights into the experiences of diagnostic radiographers working in trauma imaging. These findings can be instrumental for medical imaging departments as they develop targeted strategies to support radiographers imaging trauma patients. Additionally, radiography educators can use the study findings to prepare students for trauma imaging.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
01:24X-ray Imaging
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...