Assessment of the Application of Radiation Physics Knowledge During Clinical Training Among Clinical Radiography Students in the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus

Abstract

Introduction: This study delves into the pivotal role of radiation physics knowledge in shaping the competence of clinical radiography students, with a focus on the challenges they encounter during their training. Despite a reported understanding of basic radiation physics principles, students face barriers that hinder effective translation of this knowledge into clinical practice, potentially leading to suboptimal outcomes. 

Materials and methods: The study was conducted among clinical students (4^th year and 5^th year) of the department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu state. The study design was a prospective, cross-sectional descriptive study which enables to collect data at a specific point in time. The population has a total number of 500 students. Using the statistical formula proposed Taro Yamane a minimum sample size of 220 students was obtained. All clinical radiography students who were willing to participate in this research were included. Ethical approval to carry out the research was obtained from the Health Research and Ethics Committee of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla.

Results: Among 220 participants from the University of Nigeria's Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, 180 (81.4%) expressed good level of teaching on radiation physics during pre-clinical training; e 151 (68.3%) reported a good level of understanding of its basic principles. Despite reporting that they were thoroughly taught the basic principles of radiation physics, radiobiology, and radiation protection during pre-clinical training, the majority of student participants struggled to calculate absorbed radiation doses 182 (82.3%) and experienced difficulties in understanding and applying certain radiation physics principles 107 (48.5%). Major challenges that has hindered their appropriate application of radiation physics knowledge were overcrowding during clinical rotations 179 (81.0%), unavailability of radiation physics/protection resources to aid application 117 (52.9%), poor supervision/guidance for students 114 (51.5%) and faulty/non-functional equipment during clinical postings shifts 113 (51.2%). 

Recommendations: Recommendations for improvement include a dedicated curriculum for radiography students on radiation physics, increased teaching durations for clinical students during clinical rotations, physicists expert involvement in training clinical students, hands-on training for clinical students, interactive learning methods, and collaborative training approaches that facilitates practical learning.