Preliminary clinical evaluation (PCE): Perceptions and barriers to implementation

The College of Radiographers (CoR) 2013 policy and practice guidance identifies the ability to write Preliminary Clinical Evaluations (PCE) should be a core competency for radiographers. This research used a mixed methods approach to investigate the perceptions and potential barriers to the implementation of abnormality signalling systems (ASS) and in particular PCE in clinical practice. A purposive sample of qualified radiographers from two NHS Trusts was identified (n = 62). Response rate was 90% (n=56). 20% (n=11) had been qualified <2years, 53% (n=30) 2-4 years, 27% (n=15) >5years. Only 30% (n=17) felt that their university training prepared them well for PCE upon graduation however responses differed by group. 72% of those qualified <2 years felt prepared versus only 20% of the remainder.80% (n=45) in total participated in CPD to develop their image interpretation skills which has a positive impact on confidence. The >5 years qualified group are more likely to engage with CPD than the other groups. Only 23% (n=13) felt that PCE would improve service delivery stating lack of skill, guidance, 'too busy imaging', too much responsibility, and 'no pay increase', as common reasons. 70% (n=39) felt that PCE should not be implemented in practice. The evidence suggests that the CoR 2013 policy is having an impact on undergraduate training in that the <2years qualified group are more responsive to delivering PCE but less likely to participate in CPD. Further work is required to measure graduate image interpretation competence and subsequent development.