Self-perceived Versus Supervisor-rated Technical Competence in Plain Film X-ray Evaluation by Newly Graduated radiographers: Implications for Curriculum Development and Practice in Zambia

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine and compare the self-perceived versus supervisor-rated technical competence in plain film X-ray image evaluation using seven standard parameters among newly recruited radiographers working in tertiary teaching hospitals in Zambia. This was done to e...

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Main Authors: James M. Sichone, Michael Chigunta, Aubrey Kalungia, Phanny Nankonde, Patrick Kaonga, Gershom Chongwe, Sekelani Banda
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences 2020-09-01
Series:Health Professions Education
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452301120300432
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author James M. Sichone
Michael Chigunta
Aubrey Kalungia
Phanny Nankonde
Patrick Kaonga
Gershom Chongwe
Sekelani Banda
author_facet James M. Sichone
Michael Chigunta
Aubrey Kalungia
Phanny Nankonde
Patrick Kaonga
Gershom Chongwe
Sekelani Banda
author_sort James M. Sichone
collection DOAJ
description Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine and compare the self-perceived versus supervisor-rated technical competence in plain film X-ray image evaluation using seven standard parameters among newly recruited radiographers working in tertiary teaching hospitals in Zambia. This was done to evaluate the value of measuring technical competence as a feedback to curriculum development and review. Methods: A parallel convergent mixed-methods study was conducted. Two focus groups with a total of 17 radiography supervisors purposefully selected from teaching hospitals and training institutions across Zambia were held to solicit their views on technical image evaluation capability of the newly graduated radiographers. A descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 31 newly recruited radiographers from five Zambian teaching hospitals was conducted to assess self-perceived competence in plain film x-ray evaluation. We used thematic analysis to analyse qualitative data, whilst analysis for quantitative data, STATA version 13 and Graph pad prism 5 was used. Results: Among the 17 radiography supervisors, 11 rated the technical competence of entry-level radiography graduates as low. Reasons advanced included insufficient clinical training, uncoordinated clinical training, lack of focus on core radiography training, and lack of attention and commitment to work. In the cross-sectional study, the mean score for self-evaluated competence was 76%. The frequency of performing chest X-rays predicted self-rated competence score (p<0.001). Conclusions: There was variation between self-perceived and supervisor-rating of technical competence of entry-level radiography graduates in Zambia. A need exists to perform an actual workplace-based assessment to establish actual competence of the new graduates to inform curriculum development and review in Zambia.
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spelling doaj.art-3e0da5f468184ef2b04b49b159ea85172023-01-02T22:56:01ZengKing Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health SciencesHealth Professions Education2452-30112020-09-0163386393Self-perceived Versus Supervisor-rated Technical Competence in Plain Film X-ray Evaluation by Newly Graduated radiographers: Implications for Curriculum Development and Practice in ZambiaJames M. Sichone0Michael Chigunta1Aubrey Kalungia2Phanny Nankonde3Patrick Kaonga4Gershom Chongwe5Sekelani Banda6University of Zambia, Department of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia; Corresponding author.University of Zambia, Department of Medical Education Development, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, ZambiaDepartment of Pharmacy &amp; Department of Medical Education Development, University of Zambia, Lusaka, 10101, ZambiaLevy Mwanawasa Medical University, ZambiaDepartment of Internal Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, 10101, ZambiaDepartment of Epidemiology, University of Zambia, 10101, ZambiaLevy Mwanawasa Medical University, ZambiaPurpose: The purpose of the study was to determine and compare the self-perceived versus supervisor-rated technical competence in plain film X-ray image evaluation using seven standard parameters among newly recruited radiographers working in tertiary teaching hospitals in Zambia. This was done to evaluate the value of measuring technical competence as a feedback to curriculum development and review. Methods: A parallel convergent mixed-methods study was conducted. Two focus groups with a total of 17 radiography supervisors purposefully selected from teaching hospitals and training institutions across Zambia were held to solicit their views on technical image evaluation capability of the newly graduated radiographers. A descriptive cross-sectional survey involving 31 newly recruited radiographers from five Zambian teaching hospitals was conducted to assess self-perceived competence in plain film x-ray evaluation. We used thematic analysis to analyse qualitative data, whilst analysis for quantitative data, STATA version 13 and Graph pad prism 5 was used. Results: Among the 17 radiography supervisors, 11 rated the technical competence of entry-level radiography graduates as low. Reasons advanced included insufficient clinical training, uncoordinated clinical training, lack of focus on core radiography training, and lack of attention and commitment to work. In the cross-sectional study, the mean score for self-evaluated competence was 76%. The frequency of performing chest X-rays predicted self-rated competence score (p<0.001). Conclusions: There was variation between self-perceived and supervisor-rating of technical competence of entry-level radiography graduates in Zambia. A need exists to perform an actual workplace-based assessment to establish actual competence of the new graduates to inform curriculum development and review in Zambia.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452301120300432RadiographerCompetenceSelf-perceived competenceSupervisor-rated competence
spellingShingle James M. Sichone
Michael Chigunta
Aubrey Kalungia
Phanny Nankonde
Patrick Kaonga
Gershom Chongwe
Sekelani Banda
Self-perceived Versus Supervisor-rated Technical Competence in Plain Film X-ray Evaluation by Newly Graduated radiographers: Implications for Curriculum Development and Practice in Zambia
Health Professions Education
Radiographer
Competence
Self-perceived competence
Supervisor-rated competence
title Self-perceived Versus Supervisor-rated Technical Competence in Plain Film X-ray Evaluation by Newly Graduated radiographers: Implications for Curriculum Development and Practice in Zambia
title_full Self-perceived Versus Supervisor-rated Technical Competence in Plain Film X-ray Evaluation by Newly Graduated radiographers: Implications for Curriculum Development and Practice in Zambia
title_fullStr Self-perceived Versus Supervisor-rated Technical Competence in Plain Film X-ray Evaluation by Newly Graduated radiographers: Implications for Curriculum Development and Practice in Zambia
title_full_unstemmed Self-perceived Versus Supervisor-rated Technical Competence in Plain Film X-ray Evaluation by Newly Graduated radiographers: Implications for Curriculum Development and Practice in Zambia
title_short Self-perceived Versus Supervisor-rated Technical Competence in Plain Film X-ray Evaluation by Newly Graduated radiographers: Implications for Curriculum Development and Practice in Zambia
title_sort self perceived versus supervisor rated technical competence in plain film x ray evaluation by newly graduated radiographers implications for curriculum development and practice in zambia
topic Radiographer
Competence
Self-perceived competence
Supervisor-rated competence
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452301120300432
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