A Wareing1, C Buissink2, D Harper3, M Gellert Olesen4, M Soto5, S Braico6, P Van Laer7, I Gremion8, L Rainford9. 1. School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Scotland, UK; European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: a.wareing@rgu.ac.uk. 2. European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands. 3. European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, The Netherlands; St. Luke's Radiation Oncology Network, Dublin, Ireland. 4. European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Radiograf Radet, Copenhagen, Denmark. 5. European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Asociacion Española de Tecnicos en Radiologia, Madrid, Spain. 6. European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Azienda per l'Assistenza Sanitaria Bassa Friulana Isontina, Presidio Ospedaliero di Monfalcone, Radiologia, Italy. 7. European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, The Netherlands; ODISEE University of Applied Sciences, Brussels, Belgium. 8. European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Haute Ecole de Santé Vaud, Lausanne, Switzerland. 9. European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, The Netherlands; School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to complete a collaborative review of Radiography continuing professional development (CPD) research material to support the production of European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) CPD recommendations. A meta-ethnography approach to literature review was applied focussing upon commonalities rather than discrepancies between research outcomes. This facilitated exploration of context across the geographical region of Europe with national variations in CPD governance. The seven phases of the meta-ethnographic approach were followed by two independent experienced researchers. A third researcher mediated the findings which were then explored collaboratively with the EFRS CPD working group for concordance. KEY FINDINGS: Phase seven of the meta-ethnography involved interpreting an expression of the synthesis from the previous stages. Six main corroborating themes emerged in this process and following mediation were expressed as themes; knowledge, skills & competency, needs/gap analysis, multi-layered/multi-modal, barriers and drivers; regulation vs autonomy; fostering collaboration - harnessing technology. CONCLUSION: The primary feature of CPD activity should be the resulting impact - to patients, the service, the profession and the individual; with all stakeholders working in partnership. CPD activity must be flexible/multi-modal to support the changing growth/dynamic workforce. All stakeholders should utilise communication and technology resources and make efforts to improve collaboration between the management, regulators and educators to support Radiographers to develop meaningful CPD. Health services across Europe are under increasing stress and a principal factor going forwards will be managing increasing demands on healthcare staff whilst supporting enhancement of the knowledge, skills and competency base.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to complete a collaborative review of Radiography continuing professional development (CPD) research material to support the production of European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) CPD recommendations. A meta-ethnography approach to literature review was applied focussing upon commonalities rather than discrepancies between research outcomes. This facilitated exploration of context across the geographical region of Europe with national variations in CPD governance. The seven phases of the meta-ethnographic approach were followed by two independent experienced researchers. A third researcher mediated the findings which were then explored collaboratively with the EFRS CPD working group for concordance. KEY FINDINGS: Phase seven of the meta-ethnography involved interpreting an expression of the synthesis from the previous stages. Six main corroborating themes emerged in this process and following mediation were expressed as themes; knowledge, skills & competency, needs/gap analysis, multi-layered/multi-modal, barriers and drivers; regulation vs autonomy; fostering collaboration - harnessing technology. CONCLUSION: The primary feature of CPD activity should be the resulting impact - to patients, the service, the profession and the individual; with all stakeholders working in partnership. CPD activity must be flexible/multi-modal to support the changing growth/dynamic workforce. All stakeholders should utilise communication and technology resources and make efforts to improve collaboration between the management, regulators and educators to support Radiographers to develop meaningful CPD. Health services across Europe are under increasing stress and a principal factor going forwards will be managing increasing demands on healthcare staff whilst supporting enhancement of the knowledge, skills and competency base.
Keywords:
Continuing professional development (CPD); European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS); Meta-ethnography; Professional standards; Radiography