Beyond competencies - describing work ready plus graduates for the New Zealand medical imaging workforce

Type of content
Journal Article
Thesis discipline
Degree name
Publisher
Wiley
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
English
Date
2018
Authors
Sheehan D
de Bueger TM
Thorogood J
Sitters S
Deo A
Abstract

Introduction: Medical imaging is a profession where technology and practice is moving forward at a fast pace, while also being situated within rapidly evolving models of healthcare delivery. This requires capabilities in our graduates beyond the competencies to undertake the role. This study used an existing Professional Capability Framework as the foundation for the development of a survey tool to identify those capabilities most valued by the health services that provide placement opportunities for students. Methods: A prospective survey, conducted online, was used to gather the data from senior medical imaging staff who work regularly with students and new graduates. Results: The results identified the top capabilities within each of three domains of personal, interpersonal, and cognitive capabilities. The results from the personal domain show that remaining calm under pressure or when things take an unexpected turn; understanding personal strengths and limitations; being willing to face and learn from errors; wanting to do as good a job as possible and having energy, passion and enthusiasm for the profession and role are most valued by the profession. We have identified links between the most desired interpersonal capabilities and attributes of well-functioning interprofessional teams and the cognitive capabilities align to those required for critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Conclusions: These results have allowed the curriculum development team to review the graduate profile of medical imaging technology graduates. The curriculum development team has begun a process to incorporate learning strategies that will encourage the development of these capabilities in our graduates.

Description
Citation
Sheehan D, de Bueger TM, Thorogood J, Sitters S, Deo A (2018). Beyond competencies - describing work ready plus graduates for the New Zealand medical imaging workforce. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences. 65(4). 275-281.
Keywords
Education, medical imaging, professional
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Fields of Research::39 - Education::3901 - Curriculum and pedagogy::390110 - Medicine, nursing and health curriculum and pedagogy
Field of Research::11 - Medical and Health Sciences::1199 - Other Medical and Health Services
Rights
c2018 The Authors. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy and New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technology. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.