A study on the level of Makerere University Radiography students’ participation in clinical practice

Abstract

Introduction: Medical radiography being a practical course, one can’t rely only on theory got from class but has to attend clinicals as often as possible in order to improve on his or her practical skills, gain confidence while at work and learn how to relate with his or her medical professionals (radiographers) or else will always put the health of their clients at risk. Thus, the need to study their participation by developing a number of questions and objectives to guide the study. Aim: The overall task of this study was to find out the level of student radiographers’ participation in clinical practice. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out which included a total of forty-eight (48) respondents; 26 were second years, 11 were third years, and 11 were fourth year radiography students. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires to student radiographers in their respective classrooms. Data was then analyzed manually using a scientific calculator. Results: The study findings revealed that; 1. The majority of the student radiographers attended clinical practice as per the duty rosters designed by their class representatives, (62.5%). 2. An overwhelming majority of student radiographers’ were always supervised during clinical practice, (91.7%). 3. More than a half of the student radiographers were motivated to improve on their practical skills through attending clinical practice as often as possible, (79.2%). 4. Most of the student radiographers were encouraged to effectively participate in clinical practice by the techniques of assessment, (84.6%). Conclusion: Since most of the student radiographers followed their duty rosters, were supervised, motivated, and assessed using suitable techniques during clinicals, therefore, their level of participation in clinical practice was moderately high. The following recommendations were drawn for the radiology department, school of medicine, Makerere university; 1. All student radiographer should be further sensitized on the importance of a duty roster as a means of encouraging them to follow it. This should be done as early as year one. 2. Practical assessment should at least be done at the end of each placement period using suitable techniques to further encourage students to actively participate in clinical practice. 3. Students should be further sensitized on the importance of rotating around in all the radiology units including nuclear medicine. 4. Since this study did not focus on the comparable views of supervisors towards radiography students’ participation in clinical practice, further research is recommended.