Abstract
Background: While the importance of radiographic imaging in the paediatric population is noted, the literature state that paediatric radiography present with multiple and unique challenges in the radiology department compared to adult patients. The literature also states that the staff that perform radiographic procedures to paediatric patients should have appropriate training in paediatric radiography to be able to adequately adjust the technical radiographic parameters. Several countries have specialised training for radiographers performing paediatric radiography, however, in South Africa (SA), paediatric radiography is not considered a specialised or advanced practice and it is only taught undergraduate level at various institutions that offer diagnostic radiography qualifications such as the University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Durban University of It was, therefore, necessary to conduct this study since no South African literature could be sourced in the literature that focuses on exploring radiographers’ perceptions regarding optimal preparedness for paediatric radiography practice after graduating from university.
Aim and objectives: The aim of this research study was to determine the radiographers’ perceptions of optimal preparedness for paediatric radiography practice in Johannesburg, Gauteng. In addition, the objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to determine to what degree the training of radiographers focuses on paediatric radiography practice in Johannesburg, Gauteng, (2) to explore and describe radiographers’ perceptions regarding optimal preparedness for paediatric radiography practice in Johannesburg, Gauteng, (3) to develop recommendations that will support paediatric radiography practice in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Method: A mixed methods explanatory sequential research design was used to conduct this study. The QuestionPro online survey and one-on-one online and telephone interviews with diagnostic radiographers who had experience of imaging paediatric patients were used to collect the data. The population of this study was qualified diagnostic radiographers registered with the Health Professions Council of
South Africa (HPCSA) and employed at private and public hospitals in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Convenience sampling technique was used to select participants to participate in both phases of this study. For the quantitative phase, data was analysed with the assistance of a statistician using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 28). On the other hand, the qualitative data was analysed, and themes were generated using Philips Speech Exec Pro Transcribe computer program.
Results: Ninety participants completed the QuestionPro online survey whilst nine participants took part in the online interviews. The majority of participants that took part in this study agreed that paediatric radiography is a specialised field of imaging, and they agreed that there is a need for paediatric radiography education as a post-graduate certificate. Recommendations have therefore been provided that will enhance paediatric specific teaching and learning for radiographers.
Key words: Paediatric radiography, paediatric radiography training, immobilisation for paediatric patients, radiation protection in paediatric patients.