International recruitment of radiographers and the development of a workplace integration support package: Project evaluation

INTRODUCTION

In October 2020, a regional workforce action group was established jointly by Health Education England (HEE) and NHS England and Improvement (NHSEI) in the South West to work collaboratively to address the workforce challenges within diagnostic imaging. Fifty-eight internationally recruited radiographers were offered employment in departments across the region, the majority of them taking up their posts in the UK in early 2021. The aim of the study presented here was to evaluate the efficacy of a training resource developed by Plymouth Marjon University, with input from HEE and NHSEI, to support workplace and cultural integration for the new recruits.

METHODS

The training package to help newly recruited radiographers from outside the UK integrate into their host departments was developed using flexible learning opportunities centred on reusable digital learning assets. Self-paced e-learning sessions were augmented by group 'connected' sessions online. Two surveys were undertaken, exploring the impact of this workforce integration programme for International radiographers joining the NHS.

RESULTS

Survey results indicate that the integration programme's three-phase strategy has seen an impact on 6 out of 12 self-efficacy measures, raised awareness of challenges, and increased personal awareness of implications for practice. By the end of the programme, delegates were in the top two quintiles for their average well-being score.

CONCLUSION

Principal recommendations include ensuring digital accessibility for new recruits as part of the on-boarding process, considering the timing of delivery of any online connected support sessions, the provision of long-term pastoral support; and mandating the training requirement for managers and team leaders.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Success of international recruitment campaigns can be enhanced through the implementation of an online integration package.

Radiographer advanced and consultant practice and community diagnostic hubs - a vision for the future

OBJECTIVES

This article combines a brief narrative review of the Richards Report with an overview of current radiographer advanced and consultant clinical practice (ACCP) to provide suggestions for future ACCP within radiography.

KEY FINDINGS

The 'Diagnostics: Recovery and Renewal' report by Professor Sir Mike Richards, published in 2020, has identified a need for improvements to be made to diagnostic services. His recommendations include the introduction of Community Diagnostic Hubs (CDHs) that would provide quicker and easier access to diagnostic tests for patients⁽¹⁾ A narrative review around the concept of Advanced and Consultant Clinical Practice (ACCP) for radiographers demonstrates the capability of the radiographers to expand their role. The article concludes with a vision of how CDHs could potentially provide multiple career pathways for radiographers working at this level of practice.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

It is acknowledged that some of these concepts are a combination of visionary and aspirational in outlook rather than being entirely based on current practice. The intention of this article, and the implications for practice, are to support on-going discussions to enable radiography, as a profession, to seek ways and opportunities to do things differently whilst ensuring that the patient remains at the centre of the services delivered.

Backing and forthing: the process of decision making by women considering participation in a breast cancer prevention trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To describe the process of decision making by women considering participation in a breast cancer prevention trial (BCPT).

DESIGN

Qualitative.

SETTING/SAMPLE

Twenty-six women considering participation in a BCPT in the Northeastern United States.

METHODS

Women were interviewed one or two times over a period of one year, with each interview averaging 40 minutes in length. The grounded theory method was used to collect and analyze the data. In-depth interviews were conducted with each participant. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. MAIN RESEARCH CONCEPTS: Context, decision making, meaning.

FINDINGS

The core variable of backing and forthing is a nonlinear complex process of decision making that includes reviewing life, wanting to be sure, chancing and deciding within the contexts of fear, view of self in the world, transgenerational issues, and social support.

CONCLUSIONS

The process of decision making for women considering participation in a BCPT is complex. Women tend to make decisions based on what is in their heads and hearts. They often are concerned more about others than they are about themselves.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Trust in the provider and active involvement in the process is critical to women making a decision to participate in a BCPT. Decision making is unique for each woman; however, understanding the context, the core variables, and the process will help healthcare providers to support decision making.