Continuing professional development services and management structures of the Society of Radiographers of South Africa: a survey and respondents’ opinions

Authors

  • Riaan van de Venter Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
  • Hesta Friedrich-Nel Central University of Technology
  • Leonie Munro
  • Fozy Peer Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital

Keywords:

continuing education unit, digital platform, directed reading programmes

Abstract

Rationale: To explore and describe renewal possibilities of the Society of Radiographers of South Africa (SORSA), in order to provide recommendations to meet the needs of the members in a cost-effective manner in relation to continuing professional development (CPD) and directed reading programmes (DRPs) provision, as well as journal distribution and management of SORSA.

Objectives: Nine broad objectives underpinned the overarching purpose and aims of the survey.

Methodology: A questionnaire was used to conduct a quantitative, descriptive, and exploratory survey. Invitations to participate in the online survey were placed on various SORSA regional branches’ Facebook pages, and the SORSA website. Members also received an automated text message (sms) to their cellphone (mobile) numbers on the current database. There were 374 respondents. The questions related to biographical information; DRPs, the South African Radiographer (SAR), CPD, and the management of SORSA.

Results: Respondents affirmed SORSA’s relevance as a CPD provider in terms of the SAR and DRPs. In view of printing and postage costs, the respondents supported the use of a digital platform for both DRPs and the SAR. Respondents supported a more cost-effective management structure of SORSA which will require changes to the constitution.

Conclusion: There is a need for SORSA to embrace dynamic changes in a digital world, and to provide services to members in a cost-effective manner. The latter would require changes to the constitution.

Author Biographies

Riaan van de Venter, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Associate lecturer at NMMU, Department of Radiography

Hesta Friedrich-Nel, Central University of Technology

Head of Department, Department of Clinical Sciences, Central University of Technology

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Published

2017-05-29

Issue

Vol. 55 No. 1 (2017)

Section

Original Articles

License

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