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Teaching professionalism is an integral component of the radiography curriculum in Zambia and globally. However, there is a scarcity of educational literature to support radiographers who teach and assess professional values and behaviours to radiography student in the clinical learning environment. Most of the literature on this subject is focused on classroom teaching and learning. Therefore, the aim of this educational article is to enhance radiographers' understanding of how to teach and assess professionalism to radiography students during their clinical placements. The information in this article will also be beneficial to other healthcare professionals who supervise students in the clinical learning environment, such as physiotherapists, medical scientists, pharmacists, nurses, medical doctors, and clinical officers.

Background: All general radiographic images must always display a correct permanent anatomical side marker (ASM). However, literature reports a decline in the use of permanent ASMs in digital radiography (DR). The ASM has been reported as one of the most common sources of error in radiography of which some have resulted in performing wrong-site surgery and treatment. Since the installation of a DR X-ray machine in 2015 at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) no research or audit has been conducted on this subject. Aim: This study aimed at auditing the use of ASMs in digital radiography (DR) and identifying the barriers to the use of permanent ASMs at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) of Lusaka, Zambia. Methodology: This study was conducted in two phases. The first phase involved a retrospective auditing of the use of ASMs in DR with a sample of 290 radiographic images. Data were collected using a checklist. The second phase was aimed at identifying the barriers to the use of permanent ASMs and suggestions to overcome them. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, whilst qualitative data from open-ended questions were analysed using content analysis. Results: In the first phase, all the audited images N=290 (100.0%) had electronic (digital) ASMs and were placed on the correct anatomical side (right or left). However, no image had a permanent ASM. A total of N=45 (18.8%) images had ASMs that obscured the anatomy. In the second phase, a total of N=20 (46.0%) respondents agreed that they do not always use permanent ASMs because of a lack of ASMs, increased workload, and time-consuming. Conclusion: This study revealed the non-use of permanent ASMs by radiographers and radiography students. The purchasing of permanent ASMs and delivery of educational awareness programme is recommended as well as frequent auditing.

Nurses have a vital role in providing nursing care to patients requiring mobile radiography. Mobile radiography is requested when a patient's condition makes it impossible for them to be transported to the radiology department. All health professionals involved in mobile radiography, such as nurses, medical doctors and radiographers should be knowledgeable in this area. This is even more important in current practice, where nurse consultants and nurse advanced practitioners are assessing and referring patients for limited radiological examinations. However, there is little literature to equip nurses with knowledge about mobile radiography. The aim of this article is to raise awareness of this subject at a time when the number of patients requiring mobile radiography has increased globally, due to the outbreak of coronavirus. Critically ill patients with COVID-19 require portable chest X-rays to diagnose complications of the disease, such as pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the common and leading cause of death in women worldwide. Imaging and radiographers play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. With the increase in demand and shortage of radiologists in the UK, consultant breast radiographers were introduced to perform some roles previously performed by radiologists. However, there is scarcity of research to assist other countries, such as Zambia who are planning to extend the role of a radiographer.  OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact and challenges of consultancy role regarding the delivery of breast imaging services in the United Kingdom.  MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was guided by a qualitative research design. The sample was purposively selected, and a semi-structured interview was used to collect data from consultant breast radiographers in the UK. Data saturation reached after interviewing eight participants. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and data analysed thematically.  RESULTS: Two themes were identified: impact and challenges of consultancy role regarding the delivery of imaging breast services. The creation of consultant posts impacted positively on the service delivery: reduction in patient waiting times, career progression and job satisfaction, and reduction in the workload of radiologists. Participants also faced challenges: increased workload and time pressure, isolation and poor support from colleagues and animosity from few radiologists.  CONCLUSION: It is evident that consultant breast radiographers have contributed greatly to improved healthcare delivery. However, they encounter challenges in their role as consultants. Radiographers undertaking new roles should be supported to improve the delivery of imaging services.