A hermeneutic phenomenological study of Australian medical imaging (radiography) practitioners’ perception towards the role of higher education in the context of developing “advanced practice” in planar image interpretation

IntroductionRecognition of advanced practice in radiography/medical imaging is still emerging in Australia compared to a more established frameworks in countries like the UnitedKingdom (1, 2). Within the context of Australian healthcare environment, the impetus andnature of formally recognised advanced practice has progressed slowly with a predominant focus on addressing local need, typically in a rural setting (3). Key barriers to advanced practice include a perceived lack of knowledge or skill, limited confidence, risk of litigation, radiology and health departments (3,4,5). In 2014, the AIR introduced a new framework for advanced practice (6), which includes a ‘Master’s by Coursework’ or a ‘Master’s by Research/Doctorate’ pathway.PurposeIdentify the essence or essential meanings of the phenomena of higher education in relation to advanced practice in planar image interpretation from the perspective of postgraduate practitioners enrolled in a ‘Master’s by Coursework’.MethodologyData collection will be conducted using semi-structured in-depth telephone interviews of participants with a focus on their ‘lived experience’ (7,8). A purposeful sampling strategy will be employed to recruit participants who must be practicing clinically in Australia, be registered as a diagnostic radiographer with APHRA and be enrolled currently or recently in a coursework master’s of planar image interpretation at an Australian university.References1. Paul D. An Overview of Initiatives Relating to Advanced Practice Role Development for Radiological Technologists. J Med Imag Rad Sci 2009;40(3):90-99.2. Hardy M, Snaith B, Smith T. Radiographer reporting of trauma images: United Kingdom experienceand the implications for evolving international practice. Radiographer 2008;55(1):16-19.3. Smith, T., Brown, L & Cooper, R. (2009). A multi-disciplinary model of rural allied health clinical academic practice: A case study. Journal of Allied Health. 38:236-241.4. Freckelton, I. (2012). Advanced Practice in Radiography & Radiation Therapy. Report from the Inter-professional Advisory Team.5. Page, B., Bernoth, M. & Davidson, R. (2014). Factors influencing the development and implementation of advanced radiographer practice in Australia – a qualitative study using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences. 61;142-150.6. Advanced Practice Advisory Panel. 2014. Pathway to Advanced Practice. Summary document and guidelines for application for accreditation. Australian Institute of Radiography.7. Langdridge, D. (2007). Phenomenological psychology. Theory, research and methods. London. Pearson.8. Smith JA. Hermeneutics, human sciences and health: linking theory and practice. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2007; 2: 3–11.