The EXPOSE project is a fully funded PhD project exploring Diagnostic Radiographers’ lived experiences of imaging people from prison in acute hospitals.
Christian Ven Emery, a second-year PhD researcher at Birmingham City University (BCU), developed an interest in the topic from witnessing health inequities among vulnerable populations during his clinical placements and observing the practice of diagnostic radiography in Ghana.
Supervised by Professor Joanne Brooke and Dr Olanrewaju Lawal, the project builds on existing studies that have explored the experiences of other healthcare professionals who support people from prison, and identified challenges that affect equitable care and practice.
This study, however, is being conducted in the UK and specifically focuses on Diagnostic Radiographers, and aims to inform radiography education, training, shape departmental protocols and guide policy development on delivering equitable imaging services.
'Vulnerable and marginalised populations'
Christian explained: “People from prison are among the most vulnerable and marginalised groups who experience health inequities, despite the existence of policies such as the Equivalence of Care Principle by the NHS England.
“Diagnostic Radiographers play a key role in healthcare by performing imaging examinations for all populations, including people in prison, to aid disease diagnosis and management.”
He added that this is the first study in the world exploring Diagnostic Radiographers' lived experiences of imaging people from prison in acute hospitals, and is based on the findings of a systematic review conducted as part of the PhD project.
Data collection is currently ongoing, and interested Diagnostic Radiographers are invited to participate. Find out more by following this link.
Christian was first attracted to radiography in 2017, when his mother was admitted to the hospital due to chest pains and shortness of breath. She was only diagnosed with pneumonia after preliminary findings of a chest X-ray. This experience helped realise the important role of imaging in disease diagnosis, and kick-started his passion for radiography.
'Curiosity is enough to start'
As a trained Diagnostic Radiographer from Ghana with three years of clinical experience, Christian holds a first-class Bachelor’s degree in diagnostic imaging technology from the University of Cape Coast, and a PgCert in research practice from BCU.
Alongside his PhD, Christian is a Fellow of the International Society for MR Radiographers & Technologists Future Leaders Programme (Ghana Division).
Christian added that one of his proudest achievements was being selected as a recipient of the BCU vice chancellor’s Inaugural PhD Studentship from a competitive pool of applicants across the globe.
He added: “If you are curious [about research], do not wait until you feel ready; your curiosity is enough to start. A PhD is not about knowing everything; it is about committing to a question that truly matters. Surround yourself with mentors, stay disciplined and remember that persistence will outlast perfection.
“Research is one of the most powerful ways radiographers can shape the future of our profession, not just by producing knowledge but by giving voices to experiences that have gone unheard.”
(Image: Christian Ven Emery)