Reporting trauma and emergency plain film radiographs: Radiologists’ support for role extension of South African radiographers.

Abstract

This study covers the opinions of South African (SA) radiologists in the Western Cape in terms of their support of radiographers undertaking interpretation and formal reporting of musculoskeletal trauma and emergency (T & E) plain film radiographs. A non-experimental quantitative research approach was adopted. A postal questionnaire, based on studies undertaken in the United Kingdom [1-12], was used for data collection. Sixty-eight percent of the radiologists indicated that they were willing to support radiographers interpreting and reporting T&E plain film examinations within the SA healthcare system. The nature of support to be provided was the assessment of clinical competence (54%), support as a clinical mentor (38%), supervisor (32%) and academic support in the form of lecturing 26%.