Exploring sustainability in radiography: A study of Ghanaian radiographers

IF 2.5 Q2 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

Radiography Pub Date : 2025-04-14 DOI:10.1016/j.radi.2025.102952

W. Abdul Razak , C. Takyi , B.B. Ofori-Manteaw

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Sustainability in healthcare seeks to minimize environmental impact while maintaining high standards of patient care. This study examines the level of awareness among Ghanaian radiographers regarding sustainability in radiography.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 187 radiographers were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire from May to June 2024, with a focus on sustainability practices. The questionnaire covered topics such as radiographers’ perspectives on environmental impact in society and radiography, sustainable healthcare education in the radiography curriculum, and strategies for enhancing sustainability.

Results

A 91.9 % response rate (n = 172) was achieved, with 97 % of participants in diagnostic radiography and 3 % in therapy radiography. Nearly half (47.67 %) strongly agreed that climate change is a significant concern in society. To support sustainability, 33.73 % recommended enhanced training programs, 37.20 % advocated for collaboration with environmental experts, and 29.07 % suggested the need for clear guidelines and policies.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the need for sustainable practices in radiography, highlighting both the challenges faced by radiographers and potential pathways for improvement.

Implications for practice

The study highlights the need for ongoing education in sustainable practices within radiography, suggesting that incorporating sustainability training into professional development and the radiography curriculum could enhance radiographers’ environmental awareness and practice. Establishing clear guidelines and fostering collaborations with environmental experts may also support radiographers in adopting sustainable practices effectively, thereby contributing to environmental stewardship within healthcare settings.

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探索放射学的可持续性：对加纳放射技师的研究

医疗保健的可持续性旨在最大限度地减少对环境的影响，同时保持高标准的患者护理。本研究考察了加纳放射技师对放射摄影可持续性的认识水平。方法在这项横断面研究中，187名放射技师于2024年5月至6月完成了一份自我管理的问卷，重点关注可持续性实践。调查问卷的题目包括放射技师对社会和放射摄影对环境的影响的看法、放射摄影课程中的可持续保健教育，以及加强可持续发展的策略。结果有效率为91.9% (n = 172)，其中97%的参与者进行了诊断性放射照相，3%的参与者进行了治疗性放射照相。近一半（47.67%）的人强烈同意气候变化是社会关注的重大问题。为了支持可持续发展，33.73%的人建议加强培训计划，37.20%的人主张与环境专家合作，29.07%的人建议需要明确的指导方针和政策。结论研究结果强调了放射摄影可持续实践的必要性，强调了放射技师面临的挑战和潜在的改进途径。对实践的启示研究强调了在放射摄影中持续开展可持续实践教育的必要性，建议将可持续培训纳入专业发展和放射摄影课程，可以提高放射技师的环保意识和实践。制定明确的指导方针并促进与环境专家的合作，还可以支持放射技师有效地采用可持续实践，从而为医疗保健环境中的环境管理做出贡献。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Radiography RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING-

CiteScore

4.70

自引率

34.60%

发文量

169

审稿时长

63 days

期刊介绍： Radiography is an International, English language, peer-reviewed journal of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy. Radiography is the official professional journal of the College of Radiographers and is published quarterly. Radiography aims to publish the highest quality material, both clinical and scientific, on all aspects of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy and oncology.