Navigating triage challenges: A phenomenological study of radiographers' experiences in Zimbabwean quaternary...

Effective patient triage in radiology is crucial for timely diagnoses, yet many healthcare systems, particularly in resource-limited settings-struggle with implementation. Zimbabwe's quaternary hospitals face systemic barriers, including inconsistent training, equipment shortages, and workflow inefficiencies, leading to delayed care and radiographer burnout. This study aimed to explore radiographers' triage experiences in quaternary hospitals to identify context-specific challenges and inform policy improvements.

A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to examine radiographers' lived experiences at two quaternary hospitals. Twelve AHPCZ-registered radiographers with at least one year of experience were purposively sampled. Semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological framework via NVivo 12. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking, thick descriptions, and reflexivity.

Six themes were created: (1) Inadequate training-radiographers lacked formal triage education and ongoing updates; (2) Non-standardized protocols-leading to inconsistent prioritization; (3) Staffing shortages-high turnover and understaffing exacerbated workloads; (4) Patient conflicts-cultural and age-related biases disrupted workflows; (5) Equipment limitations-outdated machines and poor maintenance caused delays; and (6) Poor communication-incomplete referral forms hindered decision-making.

The study highlights systemic gaps in Zimbabwe's radiology triage system, emphasizing the need for structured training, standardized protocols, and improved interprofessional communication. Recommendations include integrating triage education into radiography curricula, adopting context-adapted triage frameworks, and implementing digital tools for efficiency. Culturally sensitive patient education and policy reforms for equipment maintenance are also critical.

These findings offer a roadmap for optimizing triage in resource-constrained settings.