Collaborative Autoethnography: A Research Method to Investigate Professional Identity of Medical Radiation Practitioners.

Abstract

Professional identity (PI) encompasses the values, knowledge, skills and attitudes aligned with an individual's role in the workplace and the expectations of a professional group. Due to the changing landscape of healthcare and the extended scope of practice of medical radiation practitioners (MRPs), their PI is also evolving. A well-formed PI can assist individuals, organisations and professions. For individuals, understanding PI can provide role clarity, a clear sense of purpose and direction, career progression opportunities, enhance work motivation and satisfaction, and improve well-being. For professions or organisations, a well-defined PI can increase workforce retention, improve work productivity and professional performance, support the professional development of individuals, and the way the profession is perceived by society. An understanding of the evolving PI of MRPs is required. Collaborative autoethnography (CAE) qualitative research can be feasibly used by MRPs to investigate their PI. To undertake CAE, the steps involved in the research process must be appreciated.