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PREPAREDNESS OF NIGERIAN-TRAINED RADIOGRAPHERS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE IN NIGERIA; PERCEPTIONS OF FRESH GRADUATES IN ENUGU METROPOLIS.
ABSTRACT
This research work is a prospective study carried out at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), ESUT Teaching Hospital (PARKLANE), National Orthopaedic Hospital (NOHE) and some private hospitals all in Enugu metropolis. The aim of this study is to assess the perceptions of Nigerian trained fresh graduate radiographers on preparedness for clinical practice in Nigeria A mixed method study design which incorporated a survey (questionnaire) and a case study (semistructured interviews, field notes, and reflections) were used to obtain data from Intern radiographers and their work supervisors. The questionnaires assessed intern radiographers‟ preparedness against a number of items drawn from Published radiography standards by Australian Institute of Radiography and Published documents which define UK radiographic practice. Statistical analysis, using SPSS (Statistical Packages for social sciences) examined differences between the groups‟ perception of preparedness. A sample of graduates and their work supervisors were interviewed to explore preparedness. There is no significant difference in perceived preparedness between intern radiographers and work supervisors and were found in four criteria which include Professional attributes, communication skills, patient care skills and clinical skills. Positive feedback was given in regards to University degree and internship programme preparation. Suggestions for degree and internship programme improvement were provided. Overall, intern radiographers were well prepared for their role as a diagnostic radiographer. Some curriculum development is needed in specific areas.
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Over the last decades, there have been potentials for radiographers to extend their roles as healthcare professionals and also develop their careers. Therefore, there is need for improved clinical skills and increased confidence.
The purpose of this study is to assess the opinion of Nigerian- trained radiographers already employed in Nigerian that is, in Enugu metropolis, on how well they were prepared in their various universities during their B.Sc training years and the impact of these training on their clinical practice at present. Thus there is need to assess Nigerian-trained radiographer’s perception of clinical competence in their place of practice.
Current and valid research on preparedness of trained graduates to confidently practice, exists in medicine and Nursing science which explores how well their curriculum prepare their students for clinical practice but not much work has been done in radiography, thus the need for this research work.
In recent times, most graduates trained in Nigeria specifically practicing in different states in Nigeria are expected to practice depending on their pre-training undergone during their undergraduate years (B.Sc). It is therefore difficult to ascertain if the B.Sc training they had undergone can serve as a pathway to explore their talents while working as healthcare professionals in Nigeria. This B.Sc training in radiography is considered to have prepared these graduates as knowledgeable practitioners with the potential for independent decision making when it is needed. The B.Sc training is also focused on the needs to produce graduates who should be able to perform well in a well range of areas including evidence based practice, knowledge of the personal and professional scope of practice, use of information and communication technology and who can finally think logically and intelligently when presented with rare or difficult health cases.
The training programme is also aimed at providing deep rather than superficial learning. It therefore supports the need for continuing professional’s development and produce graduates with creative thinking and skills that make them better prepared for the demands of their job in any part of the world they find themselves, in the near future. This research work is therefore carried out to assess if these graduates start practicing their career with a sense of feeling that they were prematurely prepared for their role as radiographers or whether they start practicing with a feeling that they were well prepared and intensively equipped for professional task.
Also, the information gotten from these Nigerian trained graduate radiographers who are already employed, will serve as a tool for knowing if B.Sc curriculum development and advice on methodological improvement is needed or not. The information gotten will also assist in improving preparedness of undergraduate’s competence and fitness for practice wherever they might find themselves around the globe.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Empirical studies have been performed that support positive curriculum outcomes in other healthcare disciplines such as occupational therapy, nursing and dentistry in terms of
preparedness for their clinical practice but not in the radiography profession. However, no previous studies were found in the field of radiography in Nigeria.
Owing to the fact that no curriculum ever remains static as new graduates (interns) entering the workforce are increasingly required to work as autonomous and accountable clinicians, assessment and evaluation of current curriculum and educational programs are necessary to evaluate the outcomes.
1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The main aim of this work is to explore Preparedness Of Nigerian-trained Radiographers For Clinical Practice In Nigeria; Perceptions Of Fresh Graduates In Enugu Metropolis.
The specific objectives of this study are:
- To determine how clinical proficient and judgment sound trained radiographers are in Enugu Metropolis.
- To determine how efficient they interns are in personalized patient care.
- To determine how able they are to communicate effectively with patients, patients‟ relatives and their co- workers.
- To determine the perception of work supervisors about the degree of interns‟ preparedness.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
This study will help to reveal strengths and weaknesses in trained radiographers preparedness in order to inform curriculum development.
It will provide a baseline data in Nigeria since there has been no such documentation on the subject matter.
1.5 SCOPE OF STUDY
The study focused on Preparedness Of Nigerian-trained Radiographers For Clinical Practice In Nigeria; Perceptions Of Fresh Graduates In Enugu Metropolis.
This study is limited to fresh graduates in Enugu Metropolis. Thirty five respondents were sampled for this study. This allowed the administration of questionnaires to these respondents, immediately accompanied with a semi- structured interview.
