Training needs assessment for Radiology staff in the Department of Mulago National Refferal Hospital

Abstract

Radiology is a critical component of modern healthcare systems, playing a pivotal role in the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda, as one of the premier healthcare facilities in the country, relied heavily on its radiology department to provide accurate and timely imaging services to support patient care. Objective: The main goal of the qualitative research was to conduct an in-depth Training Needs Assessment for radiology staff in Mulago Hospital, Uganda, to identify areas of concentration for training initiatives to improve the performance of the radiology department and quality service delivery in diagnostic imaging. Methodology: This study employed a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews as well as self-administered questionnaires to obtain information from radiologists, radiographers, and other professionals within the community who associated with them. By conducting in depth interviews and content analysis, this study examined how radiology staff at Mulago Hospital perceived their training needs. For thisreason, this study offered useful insightsinto designing customized training programs by investigating current challenges, skill gaps, and training needs. Results: The results showed that the majority of radiology staff at Mulago National Referral Hospital identified critical gaps in their knowledge and skills, particularly in areas such as advanced imaging techniques (CT and MRI), image interpretation, radiation safety, and equipment handling. Most respondents expressed a strong need for regular in service training and capacity-building workshops. The findings indicate a high demand for structured and continuous professional development programs to address these training needs and improve the quality of diagnostic imaging services. Conclusion: The study concludesthat there is a critical need for a structured, continuous training program for radiology staff at Mulago Hospital to bridge existing knowledge and skill gaps. Investing in tailored professional development will enhance diagnostic service quality, improve patient outcomes, and support the hospital’s mandate as a national referral and teaching institution.