A model for training radiographers in image interpretation in Kenya

Abstract

Background In Kenya, there is an acute shortage of radiologists, particularly in the County and Sub-county hospitals in the rural and remote areas. Radiographs are sent to national and referral hospitals for radiological reports. This often results in a delay in the treatment of patients. According to the Kenya government’s strategic Plan of Vision 2030, it is set to provide equitable and affordable healthcare to all her citizens. This vision may not be realized in the radiology sector due to the shortage of radiologists. Aim This study aimed to explore the perceptions of Kenyan radiographers about training in image interpretation of the chest and musculoskeletal systems, to supplement the shortage of radiologists. Methodology An exploratory sequential mixed methods design was used to conduct this study in two phases. Phase 1 was conducted through focus group discussions interviews with thirty radiographers employed in five public hospitals in Uasin-Ngishu County. The findings of Phase 1 were used to develop the questionnaire for Phase 2 of the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from participants in thirty-five purposively selected public hospitals. A total of 336 questionnaires were distributed. Three hundred and eleven questionnaires were completed and returned. The questionnaires were analyzed resulting in a response rate of 93%. The results of the two phases were integrated. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was used to identify themes. SPSS Statistics Version 26 was used to analyze quantitative data. Findings The results from the two phases of data collection indicated that there was an acute shortage of radiologists in Kenya, resulting in a huge gap in the provision of radiological reports. It was the perception of the participants that if radiographers were trained in image interpretation of the chest and musculoskeletal systems, patients would receive prompt image interpretation reports. Hence, a model for training radiographers in image interpretation to supplement the shortage of radiologists was developed. Conclusion This study has revealed that there is a gap in the provision of radiological reports due to the shortage of radiologists. There is a need to train radiographers in image interpretation to supplement the shortage of radiologists. Therefore, the radiography education curriculum needs to be reviewed to incorporate image interpretation.