Reporting radiographers in Europe survey: Support, role satisfaction, and advanced clinical practice within the European federation of radiographer society (EFRS) member countries

Abstract

Introduction Increasing number of radiographers are undertaking image reporting throughout Europe. However, there are variations in practice and experience in European countries. The study aim was to investigate reporting radiographer's perceptions in relation to support for their role and workload satisfaction and elements of advanced practice that may also be undertaken.

Methods Following institutional ethical approval an online 34 item questionnaire survey was circulated via social media; Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn in a 12-week period in 2022 across Europe. The survey data were managed by the online secure database REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture). Data was collected across a range of questions, of which those relating to support for, and barriers to radiographer reporting, role and job satisfaction, and other role elements are reported here.

Results A response level of 345 individual reporting radiographers replied to the survey from 15 European countries; some questions were optional and therefore had a lower response rate. There was consensus about the need for support from radiologists and management, protected time, and funding to support the reporting role. The majority of respondents received additional pay for taking on this role and expressed satisfaction with their role and workload. In relation to elements of advanced practice, the majority of respondents were involved in educational and managerial activities, and there was interest, but limited involvement, in research.

Conclusion There was a consensus about the support needed, and perceived barriers to, radiographer reporting, between reporting radiographers from different countries. Whilst there is some commonality in relation to activities such as supervision and education, there was clearer variety in relation to opportunities for research between the respondents, perhaps reflecting the differences between reporting as a standalone role development and reporting as part of an advanced clinical practice role.

Implications for practice As there is increasingly an emphasis on advanced clinical practice, reporting radiographers are likely to require support to develop their skills so that they can actively participate in the broader activities associated with this role, including education, leadership, and research.