While the Society of Radiographers has welcomed the government’s announcement of 13 new DXA bone scanners, it has warned that chronic workforce shortages will restrict the number of people able to receive scans.
On Monday 12 May, the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed the roll-out of 13 dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanners, which use low-dose X-rays to measure bone density and can detect conditions such as osteoporosis.
However, while the scanners are expected to deliver 29,000 extra bone scans per year, the SoR has warned that chronic workforce shortages mean the number of radiographers qualified to conduct and report DXA scans is likely to shrink dramatically.
'It has only provided half of what is needed'
Thirteen areas will receive the equipment this year, including hospitals in West Yorkshire and North East Lincolnshire, serving some of the most under-resourced and rural communities, with patients already receiving invitations for appointments planned on the new scanners.
Seven of the machines will enable trusts to offer new or extended DXA services, improving access and reducing patient journey times, while the other six will replace existing machines, increasing the reliability and productivity of bone diagnostic services.
Charlotte Beardmore, executive director of professional policy at the SoR, said: “We are glad that the government has been listening and has decided to take action – but it has only provided half of what is needed. We still need more radiographers to deliver patient care, with investment in expert education to support radiographers’ role in DXA.
“Radiographers are central to addressing NHS waiting lists. However, there is a chronic shortage of radiographers – the average vacancy rate for radiography is 15 per cent, which means that some departments’ vacancy rates are much higher. ”
Impact of chronic shortages
Last year, the SoR highlighted the fact that a shortage of DXA scanners and Diagnostic Radiographers was leaving thousands of people at risk of bone fractures and injury. The SoR argued that raising awareness of DXA imaging could shift the focus away from treatment of osteoporosis-related injury and towards prevention.
There is currently only one accredited provider in the UK of training in reporting DXA scans. As trained DXA radiographers retire or leave the profession, Ms. Beardmore said, the number of radiographers qualified to conduct and report DXA scans is likely to shrink “dramatically”.
Members also say that scanners in their departments stand idle all but one or two afternoons a week – because there are not enough radiographers to deliver patient care.
'We look forward to seeing greater investment'
“We are pleased that the government has recognised the need for more bone scans,” Ms. Beardmore added. “Now we look forward to seeing greater investment in the professional workforce who play a vital role in ensuring that these scans can happen.”
The SoR also supports the vision of the Royal Osteoporosis Society: that DXA imaging should be part of a Fracture Liaison Service, systematically identifying people aged 50 and older who have had a ‘fragility fracture’ with the aim of reducing their risk of further fractures.
At the moment, only half of all NHS trusts offer a Fracture Liaison Service, meaning detection is not universal. Incorporating DXA into these services could help create an osteoporosis detection programme.
The new scanners were promised as part of the government’s elective reform plan. Find out more online here.
(Image: Young woman undergoing DXA scan, by Kalinovskiy via Getty Images)