Role extension opportunities in diagnostic radiography in Ghana and its potential to impact on patient care

Abdul-Razak, Wuni 2019. Role extension opportunities in diagnostic radiography in Ghana and its potential to impact on patient care. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Background: The thesis is the result of an in-depth study which explored opportunities for role extension in diagnostic radiography in Ghana and its potential to impact on patient care. Ghana is faced with a shortage of radiologists, further compounded by a skewed distribution, increasing workload and a government that is committed to improving the healthcare of patients. The shortage of radiologists and uneven distribution therefore results in most radiographs produced being unreported. This results in patients being managed without the full diagnostic information, affecting the quality of healthcare. Study design A qualitative single case study with multiple (three) sites design was used to explore role extension opportunities in diagnostic radiography in Ghana and its possible impact on patient care. The sites and participants were selected purposefully to ensure maximum variation and to cover the country. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations of the participants’ working day and analysis of relevant and available official documents. Findings Thematic analysis of the data produced three overarching themes: challenges to professional practice, education and training and policy planning and implementation for role extension. The first theme exposed the numerous challenges to practice, faced by radiographers across the sites, which affect the flow and quality of healthcare. The critical role that education and training will play in the introduction and sustenance of role extension roles has been established. The important role that policy will play in the implementation of role extension in diagnostic radiography is emphasised. Conclusion There is evidence of role extension amongst radiographers in Ghana. It is dependent on the local situation and arrangements made within the facility. There is clearly an urgent need for the introduction of role extension in order to reduce the radiologists’ workload and improve healthcare. The main area of need in role extension is interpretation of plain radiographs in deprived areas.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	6 May 2020
Last Modified:	13 Mar 2021 02:24
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/131338

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