Challenges encountered by newly qualified radiographers in their early clinical practice in southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Formal qualification does not rule out the challenges a radiographer may face by virtue of being new in the clinical practice, and does not necessarily mean acquisition of the needed competency to practice. This study was designed to evaluate challenges encountered by newly qualified Radiographers in their early clinical practice in Southwestern Nigeria. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 newly qualified Radiographers selected hospitals in South West Nigeria. A well-designed questionnaire was used for data collection and it was analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The major communication challenges were: effective communication with patients and careers (3.8 ± 0.8) and effective communication with members of the team (3.8 ± 1.0). The major clinical challenges identified were: cannot perform special exams unaided (1.7 ± 0.6) and cannot prioritize exams according to urgency (1.6 ± 1.0). The major technical challenges identified were: cannot take remedial actions for poor quality radiograph (2.1 ± 0.5) and restriction from access to some machines (1.9 ± 0.7). The major workload challenges identified were: assignment of too much work (2.0 ± 0.4) and poor supervision of new radiographers by superiors (1.7 ± 0.9). The major welfare challenges identified were delay in salary (2.1 ± 0.7) and difficulty in getting internship placement (2.1 ± 0.6). The result from the Chi-square test revealed that there were no statistically significant relationships between the challenges faced by newly qualified radiographers in their early clinical practice and their categories (χ2 =4.806, df=2, p= 0.09).Conclusion: Newly qualified radiographers faces numerous challenges such as technical, communication, workload, poor supervision as well as welfare challenges. There were no statistically significant relationships between the challenges faced by newly qualified radiographers in their early clinical practice and their categories. The study, therefore, recommends the need to create a formal mentorship program for newly qualified radiographers, to provide them with guidance and support. There is also need to provide opportunities for continued professional development for newly qualified radiographers, such as workshops or courses. Also, more staff should be employed so that the workloads are evenly distributed among the radiographers on staff.