Training and development for radiographers' extended roles: a case of ad hoc implementation

This paper examines the quality and consistency of postregistration training and development for extended role activities undertaken by radiographers. Although the undergraduate curriculum has changed to some extent to accommodate expanded role requirements, much of the training does not, and cannot, take place until radiographers are qualified and are in post. While undergraduate programmes in radiography must be approved by the Health Professions Council, and are normally accredited by the radiographers' professional body, the Society and College of Radiographers, much of the training provided for extended role activities is ad hoc and neither validated nor accredited. This paper reports the outcomes of a survey of imaging service managers and follow-up interviews with imaging service managers. Managers' views of the quality of training and development provided for extended role activities and their approaches to recruiting radiographers with extended role experience, were explored. The research identified concerns among managers regarding the training currently available and indicated potential career disadvantages for radiographers receiving unaccredited development. There is also some evidence of wastage arising from the duplication of training by trusts because of uncertainty about the standards of competence instilled by programmes.