The changing role of pre-admission work experience (clinical visits) in Therapeutic Radiography, Diagnostic Radiography and Operating Department Practice: Student perspectives (Part 1)

ALI, N, SAUNDERS, J, IBBOTSON, Rachel, SHUTE, E, BURKE, G., CADMAN, Victoria, ELKINGTON, Marcus and NIGHTINGALE, Julie (2022). The changing role of pre-admission work experience (clinical visits) in Therapeutic Radiography, Diagnostic Radiography and Operating Department Practice: Student perspectives (Part 1). Radiography, 28 (Supp 1), S77-S83.

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Abstract

Introduction Clinical visits (work experience opportunities) are a recommended part of admissions processes for many diagnostic and therapeutic radiography courses but not for operating department practice (ODP) where observational visits are challenging for applicants to obtain. The Covid-19 pandemic interrupted access to visits for all prospective students; this study presents a review of the value of clinical visits and alternatives. Methods This article reports the initial qualitative phase of a three-phase mixed methods study. Using a critical realist approach, focus groups explored first year student experiences of the ‘ideal’ pre-admission clinical visit and alternative resources. A structured review of Online Prospectus (OLP) entries was undertaken by two student researchers to ascertain the requirements for clinical visits for the three professions. Results Four focus groups included 25 first year students interviewed prior to their first clinical placement (14 therapeutic radiography, 5 diagnostic radiography and 6 ODP students). Three themes were constructed, namely: informing career choices, the clinical visit experience, and the value of clinical visits. Clinical visits affirmed rather than inspired career choices. The best timing for a visit was before admission interviews and optimal duration was a full day. Interacting with current students was the most valued aspect. Videos and simulations provided in-depth information about the professional role and allowed replay, but some participants found the videos uninspiring. OLP entries present a confusing picture for applicants who may be researching several Universities and professions. Conclusion Clinical visits were deemed ‘vital’ to radiography student career choices, yet ODPs who could not access visits were comfortable with videos. Simulated visits are a safe option amidst the pandemic but must capture the dynamic and patient-centred nature of practice to accurately inform career choices.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	** Article version: AM ** From Elsevier via Jisc Publications Router ** Licence for AM version of this article starting on 08-08-2022: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ **Journal IDs: issn 10788174 **History: issued 27-08-2022; accepted 02-08-2022
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2022.08.001
Page Range:	S77-S83
SWORD Depositor:	Colin Knott
Depositing User:	Colin Knott
Date Deposited:	31 Aug 2022 12:16
Last Modified:	12 Oct 2023 10:00
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/30649

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