Re-engineering the soft machine: The impact of developing technology and changing practice on diagnostic radiographer skill requirements

This paper describes research to investigate the extent to which new technology and changing work practices in diagnostic imaging have changed the skill requirements of working radiographers. Interviews were conducted with radiography managers, radiologists and industry representatives. While changes in technology were viewed as having a significant impact on skill requirements, levels of resourcing and both national and local policy were seen as key factors driving changes in work practice. Respondents believed that significant changes would be required to pre- and post-registration training requirements for radiographers in the light of changing practice.