Radiography as a Profession PDF

Radiography as a Profession Dr. Leena. R. David Faculty, Dept. of Medical Diagnostic Imaging, Date: ٠٩.. 09. 202٤ University of Sharjah, UAE.  Objectives Define profession and describe how the Practice S...

Radiography as a Profession Dr. Leena. R. David Faculty, Dept. of Medical Diagnostic Imaging, Date: ٠٩.. 09. 202٤ University of Sharjah, UAE.  Objectives Define profession and describe how the Practice Standards for Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy apply to professionalism. Explain the purpose of the different types of professional organization and their benefits for the medical imaging community and its employees. Describe the current job outlook for radiographers in relation to geographical location, salary, and advancement opportunities.  Contents Profession Professionalism Professional Organizations Radiography Practice standards – Radiographer general requirements Education Credentials Continuing Medical Education Career ladder Accreditation  Profession A profession is not only a field of study but also the application of specialized knowledge to benefit others. A profession is: – organized to govern itself, – effectively set standards of professional behavior, education, and qualification to practice, and to enforce those standards within its ranks. Peer-reviewed journal/publications expected in a profession – Allows the profession to advance  Examples of a Peer reviewed journal https://www.ajronline.org/doi/ full/10.2214/AJR.16.16803 https://pxjournal.org/journal/?utm_source=pxjournal.org%2Fjou rnal%2Fvol2%2Fiss1%2F6&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=P DFCoverPages Journals in Radiology: Examples  Professional Behaviour Commitment to truth and the highest good are hallmarks of a professional.  Professional Organizations American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) – Oldest and largest national professional association of imaging sciences. – It was founded to advance the profession and to promote high standards of education and patient care. – Through its public relations program, it promotes awareness of the profession and the duties of radiographers  Professional Organizations International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) – ISRRT is one of more than 70 national organizations of technologists around the world A professional radiographer, must focus on patients and efforts must be devoted to providing quality service.  Professional Organizations AHRA – American Healthcare Radiology Administrators AEIRS - Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiological Sciences. Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) Association of Vascular and Interventional Radiographers (AVIR)  Radiography Practice Standards ASRT has developed a written statement that describes the radiographer's duties and responsibilities to attain professional status for radiologic technologists. The Practice Standards for Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy: defines the clinical practice, technical activities, and professional responsibilities of imaging and therapeutic professionals. Used by: – Radiology managers to develop: Job descriptions and performance appraisals – Lawyer : in the case of medical malpractice or negligence claims use this document to determine the accepted level of care and to show whether the professional standard has been met.  Radiographer General Requirements Must demonstrate an understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology. Must maintain a high degree of accuracy in radiographic positioning and exposure technique. They must maintain knowledge of radiation protection and safety. Should independently perform or assist the licensed independent practitioner in the completion of radiographic procedures. Should prepare, administer, and document activities related to contrast media and medications in accordance with state and federal regulations or institutional policy.  Radiographer General Requirements Are the primary liaison between patients, licensed independent practitioners, and other members of the support team. Must remain sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of the patient through good communication, patient assessment, patient monitoring, and patient care skills. Use independent, professional, ethical judgment and critical thinking. Quality improvement and customer service: allow the radiographer to be a responsible member of the health care team by continually assessing professional performance.  Education Hospital-based programs – Certificate (2 years) Community colleges Universities – Associate’s or bachelor’s degrees – Usually eligible for advanced postgraduate degree  Credentials Refer to documents that attest to the qualifications of individuals such as : – Registration – Permits – Certificates – Licenses Applicants must have high school diplomas or equivalent and must have completed an approved education program in radiologic technology. ARRT conducts qualifying examinations that entitle the applicants who pass to use the designation registered technologist (RT) in association with their name. Once certified, renew the registration annually with the ARRT by paying a nominal fee.  Continuing Education Essential to stay abreast of current trends and to maintain competencies. – Courses – Classes – Workshops – Seminars – Other group experiences – Self-study An important professional responsibility. Requirement for renewal of ARRT certification. States - condition of license renewal. Eg: MOH, DHA  Employment Outlook Looks very promising. The profession will have job security, geographic mobility, and salaries that are competitive with other health care professionals.  Career Ladder Possibilities exist for radiographers to achieve promotion and advancement. Depending on: – Interests – Skills – Experience – Education Staff radiographer (experience &demonstrates ability)  lead technologist or team leader (supervises the work in a specific area or on a given shift, helping to implement the directives of the chief technologist). Radiology administrator (management ability and experience) with Master’s degree.  Career Ladder Educator: Requires advanced education + at least 3 years of clinical experience. – Experience and further study may lead to advanced positions in education, such as program director or dean of health sciences. Research and development positions  Accreditation It is a process that applies to institutions and results in documentation attesting to the attainment of certain minimum standards. Applicable to Hospitals and Education Programs  Accreditation - Hospitals The Joint Commission (TJC),formerly the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Indicates that the institution meets criteria for: – Equipment – Staff – Safety – Funding – Management – Patient care. Required for the hospital to receive Medicare payments and insurance payments from many private carriers.  Accreditation – Education Program The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Agency responsible for program accreditation in radiologic technology and radiation therapy technology. Establishes: – Minimum educational standards – Conducts inspections – Grants accreditation to programs that comply with the standards.  Process of Accreditation Both hospitals and schools involves – Periodic self-assessment The institution evaluates: – Objectives – Outcomes – Resources – Strengths & Weaknesses – documents how it meets the established criteria for quality in its field. On-site visit by accrediting agency representatives – Interviews – Physical surveys – document reviews are used to assess the institution.  Process of Accreditation The accreditation process provides insight that allows the institution to strive for improvement while assuring quality service for the consumer.  Let’s review Profession Professionalism Professional Organizations Radiography Practice standards – Radiographer general requirements Education Credentials Continuing Medical Education Career ladder Accreditation Thank you!!!