Abstract
M.Tech. (Radiography)
The great demand for radiological services worldwide has overstretched the small number of radiologists available. In Kenya most County and Sub county hospitals in remote and rural areas with x-ray departments, do not have radiologists to report on plain film radiographs. Plain film radiographs are sent to national, provincial, referral and academic institutions for radiological reports. This often results in a delay in the treatment of very sick patients. According to the Kenya government’s strategic plan of Vision 2030, it is set to provide equitable and affordable health care to all citizens. The provision of radiological services and the shortage of radiologists may impact negatively on this vision. The shortage of radiologists may be an impediment in the attainment of these global health goals, unless a training intervention is implemented.
The aim of this study was to determine the willingness of Kenyan radiographers to train in image interpretation of plain films of the chest and musculoskeletal systems to supplement radiologists. To achieve the purpose of this study, the researcher employed purposeful sampling. The study was conducted through a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional survey design. To elicit the opinion of participants on the willingness of Kenyan radiographers to train in image interpretation of the chest and musculoskeletal, the researcher utilized a questionnaire. A questionnaire was developed based on current literature. The questionnaire was piloted using 11 radiographers to assess the validity of the instrument. The inclusion criterion for the study was radiographers with a working experience of more than five years. Radiographers who had worked for less than five years were excluded from the study. Sixty-nine 69 questionnaires were distributed by email, and 86 were personally administered. In total 155 questionnaires were distributed and 145 were completed and returned, resulting in a response rate of 94%. Data from the returned questionnaires were analysed with the assistance of a statistician using STATA Version 13. The results from this study indicate that Kenyan radiographers are willing to train in image interpretation of the chest and musculoskeletal systems. The results also identified the preferred type of training and possible barriers to this training. The results indicate that there is a need for a change in policy with respect to legally allowing radiographers in Kenya to interpret images of the chest and musculoskeletal systems in a bid to supplement the shortage of radiologists...