Suzanne Henwood

Continuing professional development — a re-examination of the facts

This article reviews research published over the last 15 years, exploring the various components of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and considers why it is important and whose responsibility it is. The style that CPD should take to maximize participation and effectiveness and the expected benefits and practical problems associated with CPD are issues that are raised. A modified definition of CPD is put forward which not only allows for flexibility of input but also considers the impact on clinical practice.

Does CPET meet clinical needs

Abstract The technical and political changes that have occurred in diagnostic imaging have created immense changes in the education of radiographers, both pre-registration and post-registration. The variety of courses available has extended, but there has been little or no research to look at the effect those courses have on clinical practice. This paper presents a project that involved 150 radiographers selected at random from the CPSM (Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine) register. Questionnaires were sent to establish the perceived requirements of the radiographers and the perceived effectiveness of courses attended. Open questions were included to gain some in-depth information for qualitative analysis. Using statistical analysis on the questionnaires and theme analysis on the qualitative answers, the data showed that virtually all radiographers thought that CPET was valuable, with 46% feeling it should be compulsory. Full-time radiographers from higher grades tend to be doing more CPET than part-timers or more junior staff. In addition to professionally relevant CPET, those radiographers who were showing active involvement were also more likely to be undertaking courses not related to radiography in their own time. The paper recommends that: •• an in-depth analysis be conducted into the effectiveness of continuing education, with respect to actual change in clinical practice and •• radiographers should be given more guidance in choosing courses that fit into their career plans.

Good practice for radiographers in non-accidental injury

Abstract The imaging of children presenting with suspected non-accidental injury (NAI) can stir deep emotions in radiographers. Despite this, radiographers must retain their professionalism, not pass judgement and provide optimum quality images. The images produced will be used by the radiologist to give a diagnostic opinion, and could be used in a court of law for either the prosecution or the defence. Consequently, the role of the radiographer is crucial within the child protection team and the Family Proceedings Court. This paper outlines areas of good practice for individual radiographers, but can also be used by departments to write or review NAI protocols. The paper is based on a research project which was undertaken to determine the extent of knowledge radiographers have around the area of NAI, in an attempt to establish training needs for qualified staff.

Managing quality in diagnostic imaging departments

Abstract Methods : The paper discusses a possible model for quality management, which was derived from a qualitative study of radiographers and managers. The Results : The study found that radiographers care about quality, but that their concern is not being harnessed and utilized by the profession. Conse Conclusion : Radiographers and imaging managers must assume the responsibility to manage quality. At present they do not appear to accept the accoun The model could be adapted for any professional group and could be used to develop individuals and departments in order to ensure the quality of servic

A brief treatment for fear of heights: A randomized controlled trial of a novel imaginal intervention

Objective To assess the effectiveness of a novel imaginal intervention for people with acrophobia. Methods The design was a randomized controlled trial with concealed randomization and blinded to other participants’ intervention. The intervention was a single novel imaginal intervention session or a 15-min meditation. The setting was in Auckland, New Zealand. The participants were a convenience sample of the public with a score >29 on the Heights Interpretation Questionnaire (HIQ), a questionnaire validated against actual height exposure. The primary outcomes were the proportion of participants with a score <26 on the HIQ at eight weeks and difference between the HIQ scores between the two arms of the study. Results Ninety-eight participants (92%) returned their questionnaire and were included in the intention to treat analysis. The HIQ score <26 was 34.6% (18/52) in the intervention group and 15.2% (7/46) in the control group RR = 2.26, 95% CI (1.05, 4.95) and p = 0.028. The numbers needed to treat is six 95% CI (3 to 36). Participants with scores <26 report their fear of heights is very much improved. There was a 4.5-point difference in the HIQ score at eight weeks (p = 0.055) on the multiple regression analysis. Conclusions This is the first randomized trial of this novel imaginal intervention which is probably effective, brief, easily learnt, and safe. It may be worth considering doing this prior to some of the longer or more expensive exposure therapies. This study will be of interest to family doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists.

Investigating the experiences of New Zealand MRI technologists: Exploring intra‐orbital metallic foreign body safety practices

Qualitative research is lacking regarding the experiences of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists and their involvement in workplace safety practices. This article provides a gateway to explore, describe and document experiences of MRI technologists in New Zealand (NZ) pertaining to intra‐orbital metallic foreign body (IMFB) safety practices.

Investigating the experiences of New Zealand MRI Technologists : Exploring IMFB safety practices

Qualitative research is lacking regarding the experiences of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists and their involvement in workplace safety practices. This article provides a gateway to explore, describe and document experiences of MRI technologists in New Zealand (NZ) pertaining to intra‐orbital metallic foreign body (IMFB) safety practices.