Christopher M. Hayre

This edited book focuses on the role of self-management in healthcare and how it may enhance the medical treatment, management, and rehabilitation of service

Background: When radiation protection practices are suboptimal, it becomes necessary to take additional steps to optimise practices. Aim: Therefore, this study aimed to develop a model to facilitate radiation protection among diagnostic radiographers. Setting: The study was conducted in South Africa. Methods: A theory-generating design consisting of three steps was used to develop the model: (1) the central concept was identified, defined and classified; (2) relationship statements were created and (3) the model was developed, described and evaluated. Results: The model was premised on the central concept of facilitating a transformative radiation protection environment and occurs in four phases: (1) relationship, (2) working, (3) termination and (4) independent phases. The radiography manager and radiographer enter the relationship phase of the model because of discord regarding radiation protection in their department and work together to optimise radiation protection. The model’s purpose, assumptions, context, structure and process are described. Conclusion: A model to facilitate radiation protection among radiographers was conceptualised to optimise radiation protection. The model details the steps the radiography manager and radiographer take to co-create optimal radiation protection practices. Radiation protection compliance among radiographers is paramount to ethical radiography practice, and the model provides a guide to optimise radiation protection. Contribution: In any radiography department where radiation protection may be lacking, the model provides a road map of possibilities for change. Ultimately, radiation protection compliance improves patient care and outcomes.

Introduction: Graduate radiographers entering their qualified positions need to orientate and familiarise themselves with a rapidly changing work environment to deliver a high standard of diagnostic imaging services. During this transitional phase, these newcomers also strive to meet self‐expectations and workplace expectations. This study was performed to understand the work readiness perspectives and initial experiences of graduate radiographers on beginning their newly qualified roles.Methods: The study used a qualitative phenomenological approach to collect data through individual semi‐structured in‐depth telephone interviews with 14 purposively sampled undergraduate and postgraduate radiographers. The rich data were transcribed verbatim and then thematically analysed.Results: Four major themes emerged: (1) preparing to be ‘work‐ready’, (2) initial encounters as qualified radiographers, (3) personal and professional challenges and (4) support strategies and advice for new graduates.Conclusions: New graduate radiographers face many personal and professional challenges but agree that they thrive in supportive collegial environments. Most participants had a high perspective of their work readiness strongly related to their clinical placements as students, workplace familiarity, support networks and coping strategies. Further review into individual workplace orientations by organisation leaders may benefit the immersion and enhancement of graduate radiographers' initial experiences in their new role.