An exploratory study on recently qualified Australian radiographers’ expectations and experiences in emergency and trauma imaging

Background
Radiographers provide imaging services in multiple healthcare settings, including emergency and trauma. Transitioning to a qualified radiographer is already a time of vulnerability - with the increasing complexity and unpredictable nature of the emergency and trauma healthcare environment, recently qualified radiographers may experience this environment distinct from other service delivery areas.
Objective
The study explored recently qualified radiographers’ expectations and experiences in emergency and trauma imaging service delivery.
Methods
An inductive qualitative phenomenological approach with a purposive sampling technique recruited recently qualified radiographers (n=19) involved in the delivery of emergency and trauma imaging services. Transcribed semi-structured individual interviews were thematically analysed.
Results
Two themes and related categories were identified: 1. The multiplexity of diagnostic emergency and trauma imaging service delivery and 2. Approaching the complex nature of emergency and trauma imaging.
Conclusion
The expectations and experiences of emergency and trauma imaging varied, aligned to previous exposure to emergency and trauma imaging. Even though emergency and trauma imaging was challenging, the fast pace, patient dynamics and multidisciplinary deliverance; the experience was considered rewarding and an opportunity to improve skills. Participants coped through debriefing and calming strategies; however, radiology-specific debriefing was recommended to further foster the recently qualified radiographers’ well-being.