Abstract
Chest radiography is one of the first-line diagnostic tools used to diagnose, monitor treatment and predict outcomes for many diseases. However, Malawi health facilities' major challenge is inequalities in access to imaging services due to a shortage of radiologists to report on radiographic images. To overcome this challenge, there is a necessity to train and extend the scope of practice of radiographers which would allow them to report on chest images.
Radiographers in the developed world acquire formal training in image reporting, however, there is no postgraduate training programme in image reporting in Malawi. Thus, there is a need to explore the perceptions of radiographers on reporting chest images in Malawi hospitals’. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore radiographer’s perceptions of being tasked with the responsibility of reporting on chest images at public hospitals in Malawi.
A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used. Data was collected using an online questionnaire. Seventy-one questionnaires were completed and returned (n=71/88) with a response rate of (81%). Data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 29 and the results of the descriptive statistical analysis were presented as frequencies and percentage tables. Inferential statistics were computed using Mann-Whitney U value interpreted p <0.05 equaling statistical significance. Normality test was employed the Shapiro-Wilk to confirm if data was normally distributed.
The study found that the majority of radiographers (97.2%) agreed that it was necessary for radiographers to report on chest images in the department. It was also noted that 69.0% of radiographers strongly agreed that they need additional training in the reporting of chest images. More than half (54.9%) preferred to make a verbal report. It was also noted that the majority (91.5%) of participants agreed that the impact of the radiographer's involvement in chest image reporting would improve the cost-effectiveness of the service. The findings of the study also revealed that the majority (78.9%) of radiographers required postgraduate training for chest image reporting. The current study showed that there were positive perceptions among the majority of radiographers about the reporting of chest images in Malawi. It is therefore recommended that the Ministry of Health, Malawi in conjunction with training institutions, initiate a postgraduate diploma course on radiographic chest image reporting.