Characteristics of good practice — how to be a good radiographer

Abstract

The study's objective was to define the characteristics of ‘good practice’ in radiography. Method Observations of six radiographers performing CT examinations on patients, and in-depth interviews with four radiographers. Interviews and observations are analysed using Kvale's phenomenological method. Results Radiographers perform examinations differently. Differences are especially apparent in regard to how they relate to their patients. The radiographers viewed their job in three different ways: those who saw radiography as a technical job; those ambivalent as to whether the job is of a technical or a relational nature; and those who sought to utilise technique via the patient. Good radiography is characterised by the combination and integration of technical and patient-oriented actions. Discussion The results of this study challenge the profession's view of its own practice and the overall value criteria to employ when evaluating radiographic practice.