The Role of

Qualified Radiotherapists

as Role Models

to Student Radiotherapists

in KZN

MPHO MBHELE

Department of Radiography, DUT

SASCRO SASMO Congress

24 August 2011

Introduction

MY OBSERVATIONS :

Too many negative issues from students about Work Integrated Learning environment (WIL)

High absenteeism @ WIL – proof

High number of leave forms per student

Increased clinical time owing

Informal discussions with

students

Questions posed to students

What is your understanding of WIL?

What are the reasons for the unhappy reflection?

What do you perceive the role of qualified radiotherapists to be?

What is your role ?

Outcomes from Discussion

Diffusion of responsibility among students

Good Points were raised, EXCEPT!

Emotionally stated

Illogically put

Deviation from specific questions asked

Forceful vs. Smart ways of seeking change

Lack of diplomacy

Critical Issues – Role Modeling

Approachability of qualified radiotherapists

Communication

Role Identifications

Knowledge sharing

Attitude

Disrespect

Background

Approachability & good communication skills 1

Supportive, friendly and approachable qualified staff resulted in learning outcomes achieved 2

Clinical Competence was most important and interpersonal relationship & personality traits ranked least important 3

Burnout in radiotherapists due to high patient numbers & staff shortage 4

Communication challenges due to diversity and multilingualism of patients and students 5

1. Conway, Lewis & Robinson. 2008. Final-year diagnostic radiography students’ perception of role models within the profession. 2. Ogbu, 2007. Radiography students’ perceptions of clinical placements – A Nigerian perspective.3. Palmer & Naccarato, 2007. Differences in radiation therapy staff and students’ perceptions of clinical teaching characteristics4. Lawrence, 2007. A National Study of Burnout in Radiotherapists registered with the HPCSA.5. Wyrley-Birch, 2008. Professional communication practices of radiotherapists in the workplace & classroom in higher education in the W. Cape, SA

Aim

To explore the role of qualified radiographers as role models to student radiographers in KwaZulu-Natal

Methodology

Quantitative study

Questionnaire – via email with covering permission letter

24 Qualified radiotherapists - provincial sector of KZN

12 Radiotherapy DUT students

Timeframe - 3 month period

Results - Students

Themes:

Approachability

Knowledge sharing

Communication

ApproachabilitySD D N A SA

The staff are friendly 1 4 2 4 1

The staff are helpful in explaining things to me. - 3 2 4 3

I had opportunities to discuss what I learnt. - 3 5 4 -

I felt reluctance to discuss practices or procedures I could not agree with.

1 2 4 1 4

CommunicationSD D N A SA

I was briefed at the start of the placement on what I could expect to learn.

1 1 3 6 1

I felt like part of a team. 3 - 3 3 3

I got insight into decisions the radiographers have to make in carrying out an examination.

1 1 5 3 2

I did not feel involved in the work being done. 1 6 1 3 1

Knowledge sharingSD D N A SA

When I was observing I was told to look at and think about specific aspects.

- 2 4 4 2

I learnt a lot even only when I could observe. - 4 1 5 2

I felt stimulated by what I learned. - - 1 10 1

I was questioned on those areas that I paid particular attention to.

- 3 4 5 -

Results - Radiotherapists

Themes:

Role Identification

Communication

CommunicationSD D N A SA

I find discussion sessions valuable in encouraging student tolink theory and practice.

- - 20 4

Students are briefed at the start of WIL by a member of staff on what to do do and on what can be learned.

- 3 16 5

Students generally ask plenty of questions. 6 8 10

Students should participate with staff in any discussions of radiographic interest held during WIL.

- 1 15 8

Role identificationSD D N A SA

It is the role of the clinical tutor to ensure clinical practice are integrated.

1 2 17 4

I am clear about the objectives for student placement in WIL. - 9 12 3

Students must take responsibility for their own learning. 1 3 10 10

I think students expectations of WIL are usually fulfilled. - 5 16 3

Conclusion

IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES:

Approachability of staff

Good communication - both ways

Willingness to share knowledge

Identification of roles

Recommendations

• VERT System

• Increase student numbers

• More clinical instructors

• Commitment should be brought in by introducing an oath same as in the medical and nursing profession

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

• To all the students and radiation therapists who participated in the study.

• Nkululeko Gam for encouraging me to do the study.

• Nalene Naidoo, Lynda Swindon, Roshnee Sunder, Cynthia Dludla and Ntokozo Gqweta for sharing their expertise.

• Roshnee Sunder for analysis of data.