Engaging patients and families in pediatric radiology

Diagnostic radiographers' experiences with paediatric patients during radiography examinations in Malawi - A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Performing radiography examinations on paediatric patients is challenging and requires expertise from diagnostic radiographers. The patient needs to remain still in radiography to acquire a diagnostic image. In Malawi, diagnostic radiographers continue to experience challenges when imaging paediatric patients. Therefore, this study explored diagnostic radiographers' experiences with paediatric patients during radiography examinations in Malawi.

METHODS

The study used a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design. Twelve diagnostic radiographers working in five selected health facilities and registered with the Medical Council of Malawi (MCM) participated in this study. Data was collected by the main researcher using face-to-face semi-structured interviews and field notes. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcribed data.

RESULTS

Three themes were developed from thematic analysis: 1) to foster an effective patient-practitioner relationship, 2) partnering with guardians during paediatric radiography and 3) application of paediatric-centred imaging techniques.

CONCLUSION

Findings from the study highlight how various approaches can lead to a successful radiography process with paediatric patients during examinations. Making a child cooperate for an examination was crucial for a smooth diagnostic process.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

Diagnostic radiographers should build strong patient-practitioner relationships and actively engage guardians to improve paediatric patients' cooperation during radiography examinations. Implementing paediatric-centred imaging techniques can significantly enhance the quality of diagnostic images and the overall efficiency of the radiography process in paediatric patients.

Radiographers' perceptions on the quality of managing general radiographic paediatric examinations through the use of a reflective tool

INTRODUCTION

Paediatric patients are a vulnerable population that require additional care by healthcare professionals. Quality managing these examinations ensures that effective and quality care is provided to individual patients, whilst encouraging consistency within the medical imaging department. This study explored radiographers' perspectives on quality management strategies of general radiographic paediatric examinations using a paediatric imaging reflective checklist.

METHODS

A quantitative descriptive research design with qualitative questions was used through a purposive sampling method from both public and private Australian diagnostic imaging qualified radiographers who had experience in paediatric imaging examinations. The paediatric imaging service reflective tool consisted of 65 items in total. Data analysis entailed Microsoft Excel version 16.16.6 and Jamovi version 2.3.21 for the closed-ended questions and for the open-ended responses a thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The participation rate was 13.2% and the most significant findings were: lead shielding was still being used at their organisation, despite recent recommendations to suspend its use; access to paediatric patient related information resources is limited; there was no involvement of families and communities regarding policy development or quality improvement measures as advocated in literature; and there was a need for enhanced specialised paediatric education, training and protocols.

CONCLUSION

Using the paediatric patient-centred imaging reflective checklist, radiographers had an opportunity to identify quality improvement indicators as well as issues that could further enhance best practice principles. Further studies could inform on the validity of this reflective tool.