Rural radiography practice: exploration of experiences of radiographers in Ghana

Ashong, Gabriel 2021. Rural radiography practice: exploration of experiences of radiographers in Ghana. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Background Globally, rural radiographers face challenges when providing routine radiographic services. Ghanaian rural radiographers work with limited imaging equipment/modalities, often without onsite radiologist services. Yet, rural radiography practice (RRP) in Ghana has received little attention to date. This thesis consequently explores radiographers’ experiences and perceptions of RRP in Ghana and establishes the impact of working environment on their practices. Study design A qualitative single case study with nested units of analysis design was used to explore experiences of rural radiographers in Ghana. Sites and participants were selected purposefully to ensure maximum variation of rural settings across the country. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations of the participants’ working day and analysis of relevant and available official documents. Data was analysed thematically with data integration at the analytic stage. Findings The study produced three broad themes: Motivation/attraction/retention; Challenges & Impact; Interventions & Policy formulation. These revealed reasons why radiographers accepted rural postings and why they remain in their roles. The data revealed that Ghana lacks policy designed to attract and retain rural radiographers. Challenges encountered with RRP included: image reporting scope of practice breaches, shortage of staff, practice limitations/academic isolation/no career progression opportunities, discrimination against radiographers by management, issues with occupational health & safety, equipment, security & IT connectivity issues and shortage of radiographic consumables. However, the study identified crucial role that education and policy will play in the establishment of nationally recognised framework for RRP in Ghana. Conclusion This study contends that Ghana needs a policy to address the challenges identified and motivate/attract/retain radiographers in rural areas. Ghanaian rural radiographers need functional professional systems that offer opportunity for career development, particularly by gaining exceptional interprofessional skills and comprehensive knowledge of imaging pathology/pattern recognition to undertake extended roles such as radiographic reporting in the absence of radiologist provision

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	5 July 2022
Last Modified:	05 Jul 2022 15:19
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/151044

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