It is the clearest, most detailed picture of the radiography profession to date.
The Scope of Practice 2008 – a significant piece of research commissioned by the Society and College of Radiographers – provides a benchmark in the development of the profession.
The research was led by Dr Richard Price, Head of School at the University of Hertfordshire.
Commenting on the project, he said: “Scope of Practice provides an objective view of the role of radiographers nationally and their contribution to healthcare.”
“No other work has looked across the whole spectrum of the profession to the extent that this project has,” explained Richard Price.
“Since the first Scope of Practice document the profession has advanced significantly. The establishment of consultant and advanced practitioner posts, the extent of radiographer-led research in radiotherapy, and the quantity of research in HEIs are but three significant advances.”
The research revealed a number of important findings, including:
• The number of centres adopting new roles across the spectrum of radiographic practice has continued to grow;
• The number of extended roles withdrawn in the past five years is minimal;
• Radiographer-led focused abdominal sonography in trauma is being practiced at a number of centres;
• There many new practices for radiographers evolving within the field of gastrointestinal imaging with radiographers performing colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies.
• Radiotherapy practitioners are using Grenz rays for superficial dermatological therapy and are providing a skin laser therapy service, for treatment of tattoos, haemangiomas, and pigmented skin lesions.
• Agenda for Change (AfC) was seen as both a barrier and a factor that encouraged role advancement. It is clear, however, that there is a lack of consistency in the application of AfC bandings across the career progression framework.
• Service need and supportive radiologists are key factors in supporting role extension. Barriers to role extension include lack of funding, dissatisfaction with AfC bandings and the attitude of some radiologists.
• In imaging, scope for future development may well lie in community-based centres and by forming alliances with clinicians outside the imaging department.
Professor Audrey Paterson, director of professional policy at the Society, said: “The Scope of Practice 2008 is a significant piece of work for the profession. Not only does it inform the Society as to how the entire profession is developing and evolving, it is also useful information for those planning service innovations and developments.
“In addition, students and graduates reading it will be able to discover what is on offer for their career progression framework.
“We would encourage each and every member of the radiographic profession to read the report in order to gain an overall knowledge of the scope of their profession as it stands at present.”
The Scope of Practice 2008 can be accessed via the Society’s online document library.
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