Lived experiences of radiographers assigned to veterinary clinics in the Philippines: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background

Radiographers in the Philippines are increasingly assigned to veterinary clinics, where they perform diagnostic imaging for animals using x-ray machines. This practice is not typical, as the formal education and curriculum for radiographers mainly focus on human applications. With the growing demand for veterinary radiography, understanding the experiences and challenges faced by radiographers in this context is crucial. There is limited research on the subject, particularly in the Philippines.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of radiographers working in veterinary clinics in the Philippines.

Methods

A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological approach was employed to capture the experiences of 14 board-certified radiographers working in veterinary clinics in two highly urbanized cities in the Philippines. Data were collected from August to November 2024 through semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted via Zoom. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, identifying key themes and categories.

Results

The study identified four main themes: (1) Technical challenges in adapting to veterinary radiography, including adjusting positioning techniques and dealing with equipment limitations; (2) Physical and emotional challenges, including physical strain from handling large animals and the emotional toll from witnessing animal suffering and managing pet owners' expectations; (3) Lack of formal training in veterinary radiography and the reliance on pre-employment training and mentorship from colleagues and veterinarians; (4) A fulfilling career in veterinary radiography, with participants reporting a strong sense of purpose in helping animals and gratification from supporting pet owners.

Conclusion

The study highlights the significant challenges faced by radiographers working in veterinary clinics, particularly in terms of technical adaptation, physical demands, and emotional strain. However, despite these challenges, radiographers found their careers to be rewarding and fulfilling. The findings suggest the need for formal training in veterinary radiography and the development of support systems to enhance the professional development and well-being of radiographers in this unique setting.