This paper describes research to investigate the extent to which new technology and changing work practices in diagnostic imaging have changed the skill requirements of working radiographers. Interviews were conducted with radiography managers, radiologists and industry representatives. While changes in technology were viewed as having a significant impact on skill requirements, levels of resourcing and both national and local policy were seen as key factors driving changes in work practice. Respondents believed that significant changes would be required to pre- and post-registration training requirements for radiographers in the light of changing practice.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Advisory Group on Health Technology Assessment. Assessing the Effects of Health Technologies, Principles, Practice, Proposals.London: Department of Health, 1992.
2.
CommissionAudit. Improving Your Image.London: HMSO, 1995.
3.
BinkhuysenBarneveld F. H.Impact of PACS on radiologists' daily work in western countries. IEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications1992; 10(7): 1158–60.
4.
FrancisA.New Technology at Work.Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1986.
5.
J. M. Consulting Ltd.The Regulation of Health Professions: Report of a Review of the Professions Supplementary Medicine Act (1960) with Recommendations For New Legislation.Bristol: J. M. Consulting, 1996.
6.
North East Thames Regional Health Authority. Imaging Department Skill Mix Study.London: North East Thames RHA, 1993.
7.
PatersonA.Role Development–-Towards 2000. A survey of Role Developments in Radiography.London: The College of Radiographers, 1995.
8.
PriceR.HighJ.MillerL.The Developing Role of the Radiographer–-Issues Affecting the Future Curriculum.Hatfield: University of Hertfordshire, 1997.
9.
RogersE. M.ShoemakerF. F.Communication of Innovations: A Cross-Cultural Approach.New York: The Free Press, 1971.
10.
SeagoK.Imaging forecast: Tools of the future. Applied Radiology1987 January, 31–40.
11.
StockingB.The future starts here. Health Service Journal1992; 102: 26–8.
12.
ViamonteM.New images of imaging. Emergency Medicine1985 April, 23–55.
13.
WhalenE.The impact of new imaging technology on worldwide health care, research, and teaching: Fifth international symposium, August 1992. American Journal of Roentgenology1993; 160: 195–201.
