Utilisation of the support workforce in diagnostic imaging: a mixed-methods investigation

Demand for imaging in England massively outstrips supply in terms of workforce capacity, with well-documented shortages of both radiographers and radiologists. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated already stretched services, which have remained 'in crisis'. Three high profile national reports highlighted the urgent need to develop the capacity and capability of the imaging support workforce, yet it is unclear how this vital workforce is utilised.

To investigate the development, deployment and contribution of the support workforce to diagnostic imaging activity across England to determine effective models of practice that will support future workforce transformation and re-design. Research question: What models of deployment of the support workforce exist within diagnostic imaging departments and what service, hospital, regional and national factors may encourage or inhibit implementation of these models?

The study employed a mixed-methods explanatory research design, comprising six consecutive workstreams spanning 27 months: (Workstream 1) scoping review; (Workstream 2) census of imaging workforce; (Workstream 3) engagement with imaging networks; (Workstream 4) deep dive review of selected trusts; (Workstream 5) qualitative case studies; (Workstream 6) determinant framework.

All National Health Service diagnostic imaging (radiology) services and imaging networks located within England were in scope. Participants included imaging network representatives (n = 18), radiology service managers (n = 24), and Imaging Support Workers and Assistant Practitioners, their supervisors and department managers (WS5, n = 113).

This was an exploratory observational study.

Findings were synthesised to create a determinant framework (Maturity Matrix) for the effective deployment of the imaging support workforce. A Public Summary encapsulated the key findings for imaging services, the wider healthcare community, and for patients and the public.

National Health Service Electronic Staff Record database (n = 144 National Health Service Trusts); interviews (n = 38); focus groups (n = 15); documentary analysis (n = 48).

The support workforce (National Health Service pay Bands 2-4) constitutes 23.6% of the non-medical imaging workforce (22.2% median, interquartile range 14.9-29.1). Opposing deployment models were identified, based on grade preference (Band 2 or Band 3) and role flexibility (static or rotational). Wide variations in job titles, roles, grades, competencies and scopes of practice are evident both between National Health Service Trust hospitals and within individual imaging departments. With the exception of breast imaging, assistant practitioners (Band 4) appear underutilised in most imaging services.

Inconsistent and incomplete data in the Electronic Staff Records potentially compromised data quality; however, subsequent participant-supplied data were comparable.

Imaging support workers are 'absolutely pivotal' to smooth patient workflow and the patient experience; however, unwarranted variations in support workforce deployment and utilisation compromise recruitment, retention, career progression and innovation. This workforce appears to be operationally managed rather than strategically planned which potentially limits the impact of the support workforce on the wider imaging workforce crisis.

The Imaging Support Workforce Maturity Matrix provides a management tool to support review and harmonisation of the imaging support workforce at national, regional, hospital, imaging department and modality levels. A widespread reluctance to fully utilise Assistant Practitioners and enable them to seamlessly progress to registered practice requires further investigation.

This synopsis presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme as award number NIHR133813.