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Key facts and statistics
Radiography is critical to modern healthcare, with radiographers performing millions of imaging procedures annually. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), over 39 million imaging procedures were conducted in the UK in 2022 alone, underscoring radiographers' significant role in diagnosis and treatment.
- Membership - SCoR represents over 30,000 radiography professionals in the UK.
- Accreditation - The College of Radiographers (CoR) provides accreditation for radiography education and training programmes, ensuring they meet high standards.
- Professional standards - SCoR publishes the Code of Professional Conduct, guiding radiographers in ethical and professional behaviour.
Key definitions
- Radiographer - A healthcare professional trained to perform diagnostic imaging procedures, including X-rays, MRI, and CT scans.
- SCoR - The Society and College of Radiographers, a professional body representing radiographers and promoting their professional development and standards.
- IR(ME)R - Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations, a set of UK regulations ensuring the safe use of ionising radiation in medical settings.
Recommended best practices
- Education and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) - SCoR emphasises the importance of education and CPD in maintaining professional competence. Radiographers are encouraged to learn lifelong through accredited courses and training programmes. The College of Radiographers provides a CPD framework to guide radiographers in their professional development.
- Compliance with legislation and regulations - Compliance with the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R) is crucial for radiographers. These regulations ensure the safe use of ionising radiation, minimising risks to patients and staff. Key aspects of IR(ME)R compliance include:
- Justification - Each imaging procedure must be justified based on clinical need.
- Optimisation - Procedures must be optimised to ensure the lowest possible radiation dose while achieving diagnostic quality.
- Auditing - Regular audits and quality assurance processes must be in place to monitor compliance and performance.
Ethical practice and professional conduct
SCoR's Code of Professional Conduct provides guidelines for ethical and professional behaviour. Radiographers must adhere to principles of patient confidentiality, informed consent, and respect for patient dignity. Ethical practice also involves continuous self-assessment and peer review to uphold high standards.
Implementation of relevant legislation and regulations
Training and accreditation
The College of Radiographers ensures that radiography education programmes meet rigorous standards through its accreditation process. Accredited programmes provide comprehensive training in the latest imaging technologies and best practices in patient care.
Regular updates and guidance
SCoR regularly updates its members on changes in legislation and best practices through publications, seminars, and online resources. This ensures that radiographers remain informed about current regulations and advancements in the field.
Quality assurance and auditing
Implementing robust quality assurance (QA) and auditing processes is essential for compliance with IR(ME)R. Radiography departments should establish QA protocols to regularly review and improve imaging procedures, equipment performance, and staff competence.
Recommendations
- Engage in continuous professional development - Radiographers should take advantage of CPD opportunities provided by SCoR to stay updated on the latest advancements and best practices in the field.
- Implement Robust QA and auditing processes - Healthcare organisations should establish comprehensive QA and auditing processes to ensure compliance with IR(ME)R and other relevant regulations. This includes regular reviews of imaging procedures, equipment, and staff performance.
- Utilise ComplyPlus™ for compliance management - To streamline compliance with legislation and regulations, radiography departments can benefit from using ComplyPlus™. This comprehensive compliance management software helps healthcare organisations meet statutory and regulatory requirements, ensuring the highest standards of practice and patient safety.
Conclusion
The Society and College of Radiographers play an indispensable role in advancing the radiography profession through education, advocacy, and the promotion of best practices. By adhering to the guidelines and recommendations set forth by SCoR, radiographers can ensure high standards of practice, compliance with relevant legislation, and, ultimately, the delivery of safe and effective patient care.
Stay ahead in radiography by engaging with SCoR's resources and embracing continuous professional development. Ensure compliance with legislation and regulations by integrating ComplyPlus™ into your compliance management strategy. Click here to learn more about how The Mandatory Training Group can help your organisation achieve excellence in radiography practice.
About the author
Dr Richard Dune
With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.
