"Advanced practice is about providing a better outcome for the patient and creating new career opportunities for radiographers."
This was the message from Charlotte Beardmore, Director of Professional Policy at the SoR in her keynote address, ‘Advanced clinical practice: What this means’, at this month’s International Radiographer Advanced Practice Conference.
“We want to add value to improve patient outcomes and we have so much more to offer,” she told delegates at the conference entitled ‘Leading the Way’, held at Sheffield Hallam University.
Charlotte spoke about the work being done by the College of Radiographers in conjunction with colleagues around the globe, to develop clear definitions of advanced practice, both clinically and educationally, in the UK and across the world.
The event attracted an impressive line-up of speakers and delegates from the UK and internationally from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.
Also speaking at the event, Suzanne Rastrick, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer (CAHPO), NHS England, explained the challenges faced in the health service and how the profession must consider the delivery of healthcare in terms of health and wellbeing in spite of funding gaps, while maintaining high levels and care and quality.
“There is real opportunity in adversity,” she said, “It makes us think differently. Advanced practice is about understanding how you can pitch your skills into what’s needed for the future.”
“What can members of your profession do that no one else can? Advanced practice means extending skills and knowledge to improve service efficiency and outcomes.”
Other highlights included workshops on subjects such as patient care and what it means, accreditation, how to make the most of research opportunities and how to plan for an advanced practice role.
Speakers included members of the College of Radiographers, Australian Institute of Radiography, Canadian Association of Medical Research Technologists and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
Presentations and papers across the event were wide ranging, from discussing advanced practice from a manager’s point of view; benchmarking advanced clinical best practice; to personal reflections of role development and included perspectives from international professional bodies.