Embedding consultant radiographer roles within radiology departments: A framework for success

Abstract

Objectives: Many organisations struggle to clearly differentiate the radiographer consultant role from advanced or specialist practice, with newly appointed consultant practitioners often illprepared for working at this level. This article discusses the design, implementation and validation of an outcomes framework for benchmarking competencies for trainee or new-in-post consultant radiographers. Methods: Five experienced radiographers from different clinical specialisms were seconded to a twelve month consultant trainee post, guided by a locally-devised outcomes framework. A longitudinal qualitative study explored, from the radiographers' perspective, the impact of the outcomes framework on the transition to consultant practice and beyond. Data collection included semi-structured interviews (months 1, 6 and 12), validation via a focus group (month 18) and a group interview (5 years). Results: Early interactions with framework objectives were mechanistic, but as participants better understood the role more creative approaches emerged. Despite diverse clinical expertise, the framework facilitated parity between participants, promoting transparency and credibility which was important in how the consultant role was perceived. All participants achieved all framework outcomes and were subsequently appointed to substantive consultant radiographer positions. Conclusion This outcomes framework facilitates experienced radiographers to successfully transition into consultant radiographers, enabling them to meet multiple non-clinical targets while continuing to work effectively within a changing clinical environment. It is the first validated benchmarking tool designed to support the transition to radiographer consultant practice. Adoption of the tool will provide a standardised measure of consultant radiographer outcomes that will promote inter-organisational transferability hitherto unseen in the UK.

<p>The Role and Development of Advanced Clinical Practice Within Allied Health Professions: A Mixed Method Study</p>

“…Within nursing, where ACP roles have been implemented for many years, international studies continue to reveal variation in requirements for ACPs and a lack of role clarity. [9][10][11][12] Previous studies have also highlighted the plethora of titles in use in AHP ACP roles 8,13,14 and for nursing ACP roles too. 15,16 HEE 3 acknowledged the range of titles used and the confusion caused, but further raised that some posts with "advanced" in the title may not actually meet the criteria for ACP roles, thus highlighting a further issue to be addressed.…”

Navigating uncertainty: The implementation of Australian radiation therapy advanced practitioners

“…The authors concluded that a defined role, stakeholder engagement and acceptance were the key features to address for successful implementation, however, they further identified that the complexity of different work and social contexts imply that addressing these concepts may require a varied approach [54] . A ten-year longitudinal study of a consultant radiographer framework has also highlighted the flexibility required for successful implementation of an advanced role [55] .…”

How do consultant radiographers contribute to imaging service delivery and leadership?

“…Working at a clinical, organisational, system and national level requires a range of leadership styles (Chapman et al 2014;Booth et al 2017) and a development programme. Within the study organisation the peer support and credibility of the role (and individuals) has been built over time and this has likely influenced the reach of the roles internally and externally (Nightingale et al 2018). Similar findings have been found in the work exploring nurse and AHP roles led by Rosser (Rosser et al 2017a(Rosser et al , 2017b.…”