A global evaluation of Advanced Practice recognition pathways for diagnostic radiography

Abstract

Introduction

Advanced practice roles in diagnostic radiography are progressively being recognised by various national professional societies on a global scale. The advanced practice workforce is filling in the demands of healthcare settings and a growing population to serve patient care needs. Advanced practice recognition pathways vary with each nation and thus do not follow a uniform approach to progress the advanced practice diagnostic radiographer. The aim of this study is to explore the formal recognition of advanced practice in diagnostic radiography by examining how national professional society pathways are designed, administered, and assessed.

Methods

A qualitative content analysis of advanced practice recognition pathway data was extracted from nine (n = 9) national professional society websites that met the inclusion criteria out of eighty-three (n = 83) registered with the International Society of Radiographers & Radiological Technologists (ISRRT). No formal ethical approval was required for open-source data used.

Results

Open-source advanced practice pathway data was extracted from nine national society websites with significant heterogeneity globally. Several themes emerged during data analysis to include overarching rationale, diversity in definition and scope of AP, variation in characteristics and qualification requirements, and the advanced practice assessment process.

Conclusion

Open-source advanced practice pathway data provides a global snapshot of current formalised recognition by national societies. There is significant heterogeneity in all aspects of formal recognition, which highlights the need for greater global collaboration.

Implications for practice

This study highlights that there is limited opportunity for transnational recognition of AP roles and the need for greater international collaboration between national societies to build a more sustainable and transferable global AP workforce. The findings from this study offer valuable insights for nations establishing or revising their AP recognition pathway.