Researchers at the University of Salford are asking Diagnostic Radiographers to participate in an online interview for a study on gaining informed consent for patients with dementia.
People undergoing diagnostic imaging should understand the procedure, what it involves, and how it will help them, the researchers explained. Radiographers have a legal obligation to obtain informed consent from every patient.
However, research has shown UK radiographers often do not consider themselves to have a clear understanding of the process, and despite guidelines inconsistent practice remains in place, especially for those living with dementia.
Impacts on patient care and trust
Radiographers can be held accountable and legally responsible for issues that occur while obtaining informed consent. Guidelines help to ensure the correct steps are followed, but issues in their practical implementation could impact patient care and trust.
Radiography lecturerDr. Adam Spacey, at the University of Salford, is attempting to fill this gap.
By interviewing radiographers about their experiences obtaining informed consent for medical imaging from patients with dementia, he hopes to create better training and policies to support radiographers and improve patient care.
During the one-to-one discussion, participants will be asked to explore their perspectives on and understanding of dementia care, with a particular focus on obtaining informed consent during medical imaging.
'We've only just begun'
This project was funded by the College of Radiographers Industry Partnership Scheme (CoRIPS) in January, and recently received ethical approval from the University of Salford.
Dr. Spacey said: “We’ve only just begun. We are exploring dementia care delivered during medical imaging, with a focus on how diagnostic radiographers obtain informed consent.”
The project is planned to last two years in total, with recruitment currently underway and expected to take between four and five months.
Dr Adam Spacey is the principal investigator and will have overall responsibility for the management of the project.
A full time lecturer in radiography at the University of Salford, Dr. Spacey has led and supported a range of projects since completing his PhD in 2020, as well as publishing multiple papers exploring dementia care in radiography.
Also supporting the project isDr. Lisa Booth, senior lecturer at the University of Cumbria,Dr. Paul Miller, associate professor at the University of Cumbria, and research assistant Samantha Bowden, occupation therapist.
Any radiographers interested in taking part can contact the team for further details: [email protected]