Forensic radiography: The perspectives and experiences of qualified radiographers in Ghana

Background

Despite the benefits of forensic radiography (FR), its practice is in its infancy in Ghana. Radiographers, knowingly or unknowingly undertake forensic imaging despite a lack of guidelines, protocols and proper training in Ghana. This study aimed to explore Ghanaian radiographers’ perceptions of FR and identify their experiences.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design with an online survey was employed. Study participants included consecutively sampled qualified radiographers practising in Ghana. Data were descriptively and inferentially analysed. The significance for inferential analysis was set at p < 0.05. The key ideas from the narrative response to open-ended questions were presented as frequencies on a bar graph representing the frequency of each response.

Results

Completed responses were received from 124 qualified radiographers. Participants demonstrated a fair knowledge of FR (overall mean score (oms) = 3.95). Most participants (75% n=93) believed FR was within their professional scope of practice though the majority (57.2% n=71) believed they lacked formal training in FR. FR was perceived to be challenging among participants (ms= 3.52). Participants agreed on the provision of guidelines for FR practice by Ghanaian radiography stakeholders (oms= 4.23). Participants’ experiences revealed diverse roles in investigations and emotional/psychological reflections. Regarding cadaveric FR, most participants (59.7% n=74) expressed willingness to undertake. Specifically, male participants were 4 times more likely to report willingness than females (odd ratio (OR)= 4.147).

Discussion

Ghanaian radiographers demonstrated fair knowledge of FR despite a lack of awareness regarding cross-sectional techniques in FR. They presented a multitude of positive and negative perspectives regarding FR. Training in FR and guidelines are imperative to transform future practices in Ghana. The study highlighted reluctance and willingness among radiographers to perform cadaveric FR, emphasising the need for emotional preparedness.

Conclusion

This study offers insight into the perspectives of Ghanaian radiographers on FR, which would be helpful for future developments regarding its practice.