Radiographers' Perspectives of the Challenges and Facilitators to the Implementation of Best Practices Within Forensic Radiography Practice: A Questionnaire

Introduction: Forensic radiography is an extended role and sub-speciality of diagnostic radiography. To ensure the medico-legal requirements of this practice are met, relevant postgraduate training and CPD maintenance must be evidenced, enabling practitioners to have awareness and ability to apply evidence-based best practices. A recent literature review identified issues in effectively implementing best practices within the paediatric forensic setting. This research sought to identify the issues from the radiographer’s perspective in the wider forensic settings.

Methods: An online questionnaire comprising of quantitative and free-text qualitative questions was used. This was distributed using purposive sampling through the International Association of Forensic Radiographers (IAFR) website. The data was analysed using inductive narrative analysis.

Results: The analysis generated three primary themes comprising of; organisational and radiographic community awareness and understanding, work-based cultural practices and training, education and CPD: the impacts of perceptions and understanding. These themes provide a valuable insight into the issues impacting full evidence-based practice implementation.

Conclusion: This research highlights many complex factors influencing the effective implementation of best practices within the forensic radiography setting. Fundamental to these were the impacts of organisational and departmental understanding of the role of forensic radiography and the specific requirements that must be met for this role to be undertaken appropriately.

Implications for Practice: Continued failure to recognise and address the issues
preventing effective implementation will have implications for the integrity of the medico-legal role and practice of forensic radiography. Enhanced recognition of the forensic radiography role and the development of tailored multi-faceted strategies acknowledging the unique requirements of the multi-disciplinary remit of this practice may help to address the ongoing lack of understanding.