Finding ways to support radiographers as teachers

Abstract

Introduction: Teaching and supervision of medical imaging students are part of the role of many radiographers, yet they are frequently unsupported in the development of their role as a teacher. This study explores radiographers’ experiences and level of confidence in teaching and establishes the areas of support they require to be more effective in their clinical teaching role. Methods: Sixty radiographers from across Australia completed an anonymous questionnaire, and nine radiographers participated in focus groups. Thematic analysis was conducted on the qualitative data, whilst quantitative data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and reported as descriptive statistics. Results: The findings demonstrate that radiographers were mostly confident in the domains of familiarising students to the practice environment, supervising students and assisting students to integrate into the practice environment, but were less confident in facilitating students’ learning. Radiographers have identified the teaching skills and attributes they currently possess and the areas in which they need further development. Conclusions: This study calls for support for radiographers in their teaching role and provides guidance for education providers wanting to design education to support radiographers’ learning needs for teaching.