A sequential mixed-methods design for role extension research in radiography: Methodological Insights from a...

Area of Science:

• Radiography and Medical Imaging
• Health Workforce Research
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Radiographer role extension in image interpretation is crucial globally, especially in low-resource settings facing radiologist shortages.
• Limited guidance exists for designing complex implementation research on radiographer role extension.
• This paper details a four-phase sequential mixed methods design used to develop and validate a Preliminary Image Evaluation (PIE) framework for radiographers in Ghana.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline and reflect on the methodological design and integration strategies for a mixed methods study on radiographer role extension.
• To develop and validate a context-specific framework for Preliminary Image Evaluation (PIE) by radiographers in Ghana.
• To provide a methodological model for designing contextually responsive workforce research in radiography.

Main Methods:

• A sequential mixed methods design incorporating qualitative interviews, online surveys, image interpretation tests, curriculum analysis, and a Delphi process.
• Reflective account focusing on philosophical positioning, analytical choices, and integration logic.
• Stakeholder engagement throughout the research process.

Main Results:

• Sequential integration of diverse data types (qualitative, quantitative, documentary, performance-based) facilitated knowledge building and tool refinement.
• The mixed methods design ensured alignment across data strands and enhanced interpretive trustworthiness.
• A validated PIE framework, tailored for resource-constrained environments, was successfully developed, with stakeholder engagement ensuring contextual relevance.

Conclusions:

• Methodological diversity and purposeful integration are effective for addressing complex health workforce issues.
• Mixed methods research can yield sustainable education reform, workforce development, and policy alignment in radiography.
• The study provides a transferable methodological model for designing actionable, policy-relevant research on radiographer role extension.