Diagnostic radiographers’ lived experiences of trauma imaging

Introduction

Gauteng in South Africa experiences a high volume of trauma cases that necessitate hospital admissions and medical interventions. As part of the healthcare team, radiographers are responsible for imaging patients with trauma injuries. Treating patients with trauma injuries has a significant impact on the psychological functioning of healthcare workers. Therefore, it was essential to understand diagnostic radiographers' experiences during trauma imaging.

Methods

A qualitative approach with a phenomenological research design was used. Individual interviews were conducted with qualified diagnostic radiographers experienced in trauma imaging who were purposively sampled from private and public trauma healthcare settings in the Gauteng province. The interview data were thematically analysed.

Results

Three themes and related subthemes were generated: 1) Adverse effects of trauma imaging with the subthemes, professional emotional saturation, desensitisation and vicarious traumatisation; 2) Managing the effects of trauma imaging with the subthemes, preparedness and coping strategies; 3) Developing from trauma imaging experiences with the subthemes post-traumatic growth and professional dedication.

Conclusion

Diagnostic radiographers shared that trauma imaging negatively affected them emotionally, compounded by inadequate support and resources. Those with prior exposure to trauma imaging or personal trauma experiences coped better. Despite these challenges, radiographers valued their roles and the chance to improve their skills, expressing a strong passion for their profession and a commitment to their patients' well-being. Diagnostic radiographers would benefit from counselling services and opportunities to debrief.

Implications for practice

This study provides valuable insights into the experiences of diagnostic radiographers working in trauma imaging. These findings can be instrumental for medical imaging departments as they develop targeted strategies to support radiographers imaging trauma patients. Additionally, radiography educators can use the study findings to prepare students for trauma imaging.