Abstract
Introduction:
Forensic radiography is an extended role within diagnostic radiography for which post graduate education, training and CPD maintenance is mandated and must be evidenced. Those radiographers undertaking forensic imaging practice and their employers are required to apply all relevant legislation, professional frameworks, current forensic imaging guidelines and protocols applicable to the specific area of practice engaged in. Forensic radiographers work as an essential component of a wider multidisciplinary team (MDT), which must work cohesively, with professional integrity to ensure a clear and unbroken chain of evidence collection. A review of current literature on the efficacy of implementation of best practice within this setting identified a dearth of literature. Although a wider generic search within healthcare identified general failures regarding effective implementation, none identified specific reasons for this.
Objective
To identify potential causal factors existing between the many variables within forensic radiography that can impact upon the acquisition and sharing of best practice.
Methods
This research used a mixed methods approach, initially collecting data through an online questionnaire using purposive sampling of members of the International Association of Forensic Radiographers (IAFR). Semi-structured interviews followed with participants recruited via an international forensic radiography conference, to enable in-depth exploration of the factors identified. Questionnaire data was analysed using narrative analysis with thematic analysis applied to the interview data.
Results
Of the questionnaire respondents (n=20), 20% stated that best practice was fully implemented within their department, citing good departmental organisation, awareness of the role and importance of best practice, and focussed training as reasons for this. 60% of participants felt that best practice was only partially implemented with the remaining 15% stating it was not implemented at all. 'Insufficient training’, ‘conflicting MDT agendas’, ‘departmental time constraints’, and ‘resistance within the radiography team’ were highlighted as difficult issues when best practice was not implemented. Thematic analysis applied to the qualitative data further identified a ‘reductionist “conveyor belt” culture’; ‘need for wider MDT and professional recognition of forensic radiography role’; and ‘requirement for departmental understanding of best practice within forensic radiography’.
Conclusion
The implementation of best practice is fundamental for the validity of radiographic evidence collection processes to be established and maintained. Many complex factors including work-based cultural practice, and lack of understanding of the role and requirements of forensic radiography were given for the partial or lack of best practice acquisition and implementation. A collaborative approach across radiography departments and the wider multidisciplinary team are required as the first fundamental step to enable these to be addressed ensuring efficacy of future implementation. An in-depth understanding of the multi-faceted causal themes identified is essential if such barriers are to be addressed effectively. Without this, future strategies will continue to fail.
Keywords: Forensic radiography, evidence-based practice, guidelines, organisations, multi-disciplinary teams.
Forensic radiography is an extended role within diagnostic radiography for which post graduate education, training and CPD maintenance is mandated and must be evidenced. Those radiographers undertaking forensic imaging practice and their employers are required to apply all relevant legislation, professional frameworks, current forensic imaging guidelines and protocols applicable to the specific area of practice engaged in. Forensic radiographers work as an essential component of a wider multidisciplinary team (MDT), which must work cohesively, with professional integrity to ensure a clear and unbroken chain of evidence collection. A review of current literature on the efficacy of implementation of best practice within this setting identified a dearth of literature. Although a wider generic search within healthcare identified general failures regarding effective implementation, none identified specific reasons for this.
Objective
To identify potential causal factors existing between the many variables within forensic radiography that can impact upon the acquisition and sharing of best practice.
Methods
This research used a mixed methods approach, initially collecting data through an online questionnaire using purposive sampling of members of the International Association of Forensic Radiographers (IAFR). Semi-structured interviews followed with participants recruited via an international forensic radiography conference, to enable in-depth exploration of the factors identified. Questionnaire data was analysed using narrative analysis with thematic analysis applied to the interview data.
Results
Of the questionnaire respondents (n=20), 20% stated that best practice was fully implemented within their department, citing good departmental organisation, awareness of the role and importance of best practice, and focussed training as reasons for this. 60% of participants felt that best practice was only partially implemented with the remaining 15% stating it was not implemented at all. 'Insufficient training’, ‘conflicting MDT agendas’, ‘departmental time constraints’, and ‘resistance within the radiography team’ were highlighted as difficult issues when best practice was not implemented. Thematic analysis applied to the qualitative data further identified a ‘reductionist “conveyor belt” culture’; ‘need for wider MDT and professional recognition of forensic radiography role’; and ‘requirement for departmental understanding of best practice within forensic radiography’.
Conclusion
The implementation of best practice is fundamental for the validity of radiographic evidence collection processes to be established and maintained. Many complex factors including work-based cultural practice, and lack of understanding of the role and requirements of forensic radiography were given for the partial or lack of best practice acquisition and implementation. A collaborative approach across radiography departments and the wider multidisciplinary team are required as the first fundamental step to enable these to be addressed ensuring efficacy of future implementation. An in-depth understanding of the multi-faceted causal themes identified is essential if such barriers are to be addressed effectively. Without this, future strategies will continue to fail.
Keywords: Forensic radiography, evidence-based practice, guidelines, organisations, multi-disciplinary teams.
Original language | English |
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DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 18 Aug 2023 |
Event | SORSA 2023 Congress: Radiography - A new dawn - Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town, South Africa Duration: 17 Aug 2023 → 18 Aug 2023 https://consultus.eventsair.com/sorsa-2023-congress/ |
Conference
Conference | SORSA 2023 Congress |
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Abbreviated title | SORSA 2023 |
Country/Territory | South Africa |
City | Cape Town |
Period | 17/08/23 → 18/08/23 |
Internet address |