A National Survey of Operating Theatre Experiences Among English Student Diagnostic Radiographers

Introduction: Theatre radiography is an important part of a diagnostic radiographer’s scope of practice, supporting safe imaging during surgical procedures. However, studies indicate that newly qualified radiographers often lack confidence in theatre imaging, particularly using C-arms, and that post-qualification training in hospitals is frequently brief and not competency based. This survey aimed to evaluate pre-registration educational experiences in universities and clinical hospital placements of operating theatre imaging in England for diagnostic radiography students. Exploring preparedness, confidence and competence(technical skills development) in using C-arms within surgical environments, to highlight potential areas for future curriculum development. Method: A cross-sectional, online survey was distributed to final year students to n=23universities offering diagnostic radiography training in England. The survey gathered data on demographics, clinical experiences, university experiences and confidence levels in different areas of operating theatre radiography. Questions were a mix of Likert scales, multiple choice, and qualitative responses. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, and free-text responses were coded to identify common themes. Results: There were n=84 responses from diagnostic radiography students from all n=7 regions in England. Quantitative responses included clinical placement hours in operating theatres, ranging from less than 20 hours to more than 141 hours. With 84% indicating more hours would be beneficial for improving confidence levels. The qualitative data analysis identified common themes to support increased clinical hours teaching and learning in an operating theatre (35.7%) hospital environment, specifically to practice and improve technical competence with C-arm equipment (35.7%), and supplementary C-arm simulation training (83%) within university settings to improve confidence levels of C-arm positioning and locks (50%). Responses demonstrated strong confidence in understanding radiation protection (96%) and patient identification (97%) within the operating theatre to prepare for future employment. Sub themes of supervision, types of operating theatre cases, university simulation, patient interaction, identifying anatomy of images were further explored. Conclusion: Nearly half of the responses indicated students did not feel confident in using a C-arm within the operating theatre. Students felt that simulation and spending more hours in an operating theatre during clinical placement would help improve confidence levels. The implementation of simulation-based training should be considered in universities, along with dedicating more hours to the operating theatre during clinical placements.