Radiographers’ knowledge, attitude and challenges on pain management

Authors

  • Kofi Adesi Kyei Cape Peninsula University of Technology
  • William K Antwi University of Ghana, Allied Health Sciences
  • Samuel Yaw Opoku University of Ghana, School of Allied Health Science
  • Sophia Hemans University of Ghana, School of Allied Health Science
  • Samuel Anim-Sarpong University of Ghana, School of Allied Health Science
  • Penelope Engel-Hills Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town South Africa

Keywords:

Pain management, diagnostic radiographer, diagnostic imaging, patient care

Abstract

Introduction Pain, an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience linked with tissue damage, is the most common medical complaint, and diagnostic imaging plays a major role in the multidisciplinary approach to pain management. Integral to the diagnostic radiographers’ role is good communication skills, appropriate patient care, and competent patient positioning of patients especially patients in pain in the process of producing accurate radiographic images of diagnostic quality.

Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate the attitude and knowledge base of the diagnostic radiographer and outline policies and challenges with regard to pain management at the research site.

Method A descriptive survey method was used in the administration of a questionnaire to 29 practicing radiographers.

Results Twenty-eight (97%) of the questionnaires were returned though not all questions were completed by all the respondents. The results of the study established that there is limited knowledge of pain management among this cohort of radiographers. The analysis revealed that 71% of the radiographers surveyed had no formal training on the subject and 50% of the respondents accessed the internet as a source of information on pain management. The study also showed the absence of pain management policies in the study sites.

Conclusion The recommendations of this single site study are that regular in-service training programmes should be implemented for radiographers on this specific topic. Appropriate policies on pain management should be developed in order to enhance radiographers’ knowledge of pain and improve the quality of care to the patients attending this regional hospital.

Author Biographies

Kofi Adesi Kyei, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Senior Radiation Therapist

William K Antwi, University of Ghana, Allied Health Sciences

Lecturer

Samuel Yaw Opoku, University of Ghana, School of Allied Health Science

Lecturer

Sophia Hemans, University of Ghana, School of Allied Health Science

Radiographer

Samuel Anim-Sarpong, University of Ghana, School of Allied Health Science

Lecturer

Penelope Engel-Hills, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town South Africa

Head, Department of Radiography

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Published

2014-05-28

Issue

Vol. 52 No. 1 (2014)

Section

Original Articles

License

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