Radiographers' perceptions of malpractice and radiographic errors in the United Arab Emirates

Radiography is integral to modern healthcare, combining technical expertise with patient-centered care. Despite advances in imaging technologies and safety guidelines, malpractice incidents persist, posing risks to patient safety and undermining professional accountability. This study examines the prevalence, definitions, contributing factors, and mitigation strategies of malpractice in radiographic practice in the UAE, where a multicultural workforce and high service demands create unique challenges.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among radiographers in the UAE. Demographics, experiences with malpractice incidents, understanding of malpractice definitions, contributing factors, and prevention strategies data were collected. Descriptive analysis was performed using frequencies and percentages, and Spearman's correlation was applied to assess associations between age and domain scores.

More than half of participants (55.7%) reported encountering malpractice incidents, with the majority (50.0%) defining malpractice as a failure to meet professional standards resulting in patient harm. High workload and time pressure (30.4%) and incorrect patient identification (25.8%) were the most cited contributing factors. Most participants agreed that effective communication (86.1%) and adherence to safety protocols (83.6%) could significantly reduce malpractice risks. Awareness of reporting systems was relatively high (82.8%), though gaps remain. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed negligible associations between age and domain scores.

Malpractice in radiography is a persistent concern in the UAE, influenced by systemic pressures, communication gaps, and variations in practitioners' understanding. While awareness of reporting systems is encouraging, inconsistencies in definitions and preventive practices highlight the need for standardized national policies and continuous professional education.

Targeted interventions, including mandatory continuing education, protocol standardization, effective communication training, and structured reporting systems, are essential to reduce malpractice risks.