The role, scope and utilisation of the imaging support workforce in England: A qualitative framework analysis.

Introduction: Effective utilisation of the unregistered support workforce is essential to counter a well-documented imaging workforce crisis, yet it is unclear how imaging departments deploy their support staff. As part of a wider explanatory mixed methods study, this research explored models of support workforce deployment across England, identifying the factors which may encourage or inhibit implementation of these models.

Methods: Imaging support workforce deployment at regional and place (NHS Trust) level was investigated using Framework Analysis to combine interviews with Imaging Network representatives and Radiology Service Managers (RSMs) alongside workforce establishment data.

Establishing the size and configuration of the imaging support workforce: a census of national workforce data in England.

Objectives: The imaging support workforce is a key enabler in unlocking imaging capacity and capability, yet no evidence exists of the workforce size and configuration. This research provides the first comprehensive analysis of workforce data to explore the deployment of the support workforce within National Health Service (NHS) imaging services in England.

Methods: Using a census methodology, an anonymized electronic staff record (ESR) data set extracted in December 2022 was analysed to identify support workers and their employment bandings at NHS Trust, regional and national (England) level.

Fetal echogenic bowel: Is there a national consensus on identification and reporting?

Introduction: Saving Babies' Lives Care Bundle Version 2 highlights the importance of correct identification and reporting of echogenic bowel to improve maternal and newborn outcomes. Yet there is no national consensus to guide sonographers in identifying and reporting fetal echogenic bowel. This two-phase study aims to develop a national consensus to guide sonographers on the identification, classification and reporting of fetal echogenic bowel during the Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme (FASP) second trimester anomaly scan.

Expectations of radiographer reporting roles: A multimethod evaluation across a single imaging network.

Introduction: Prior studies have demonstrated inconsistent development and utilisation of radiographers in the reporting of radiographs, and there is ongoing consideration of the level at which such radiographers should be educated to and operating at. This study aimed to explore and evaluate expectation and utilisation of radiographers currently, or training in, reporting in projection radiography across one integrated care system (ICS).

Methods: A multi-method approach was utilised, with document analysis of projection radiography reporting role job descriptions and person specifications and an online survey of managers and clinical leads.

Retention of radiographers in the NHS: Influencing factors across the career trajectory.

Introduction: In order to meet the rising demands for imaging and radiotherapy services, the chronic workforce deficits experienced in many countries must be addressed. Improving workforce retention is essential; factors influencing radiographer attrition from the NHS have been previously reported as challenging working patterns, lack of flexibility in working patterns and lack of timely career progression and CPD. This article explores how these influencing factors for radiographers to leave the NHS change at different stages of the career trajectory.

Reporting radiographer academy training model; an evaluation of the impact for trainees and clinical service.

Introduction: Demand on imaging services continues to increase on a background of complex issues and barriers to care. Collaborative cross organisational working through the development of imaging networks is recommended to address these issues including managing reporting workloads. Standardisation of reporting practices and collaborative cross region reporting radiographer training has been recommended to be supported by a regional reporting radiographer academy model to achieve these aims.

Degree apprenticeships for the radiography profession; are clinical departments ready?

Introduction: The recently approved degree apprenticeships for diagnostic and therapeutic radiography and sonography offer a new route into the professions in the UK. The work based nature of apprenticeships is reliant on employers embracing the positive impacts they can offer; however recent studies highlight there is still a lack of understanding around radiography apprenticeships. This study investigated diagnostic and therapeutic radiography and sonography managers' perceptions of and readiness for degree apprenticeships.

Retention of radiographers: A qualitative exploration of factors influencing decisions to leave or remain within the NHS.

Introduction: In many countries a widening imbalance exists between radiographer workforce supply and demand. Improving retention is a rapid method of workforce expansion which is gaining importance with policy makers and providers. To better understand the current leaver profile, this study aimed to identify why radiographers leave the NHS early, and what incentives are important in their decision to stay.

Trailblazers: Stakeholder motivations for developing degree apprenticeships for the radiography profession.

Introduction: Employer led apprenticeship trailblazer groups develop the occupational standard and end point assessment associated with a particular job or occupation. All degree apprenticeship programmes within England must align to these and for allied health professions, this is a new concept. Exploring stakeholder motivations for being part of the trailblazer groups is essential to inform subsequent curriculum design and implementation for this new model of education.

Professional protectionism; a barrier to employing a sonographer graduate?

Introduction: The national sonographer workforce deficit is not a new challenge and has been driven by the increasing demand for ultrasound services. The current educational models only facilitate small trainee numbers and are unable to keep abreast of the demand for trained sonographers. This is partially due to the intensive (and often one to one) sonographer training which has instigated much debate relating to alternative models of education.