Radiographers' knowledge, clinical expertise and application of pain management strategies in the radiology department - results from a qualitative focus group

Background: Radiographers are frequently involved in imaging patients in pain thus requiring a heightened awareness and focus on this crucial issue.

Purpose: To explore the challenges radiographers encounter when imaging patients in pain and to identify strategies that could be implemented to improve overall patient-centered care.

Methods: A qualitative research study with a single focus group (FG) was conducted using six radiographers working within Irish hospitals. The research questions focused on pain management challenges in the radiology department, particularly identifying radiographers' current practices and strategies to address these challenges. The FG was moderated and video-recorded to facilitate comprehensive analysis. The audio obtained from the FG was transcribed and then analyzed thematically.

Results: Data from the FG identified four main themes: 1) consequences of pain management, 2) communication, 3) professional experience, and 4) barriers. In addition, the study highlighted the absence of current protocols, policies, and guidelines in practice for the effective management of challenges associated with imaging patients in pain within the radiology department.

Conclusion: The primary challenges identified include the stress experienced by both staff and patients, the potential for obtaining suboptimal images, concerns regarding patient safety, and adverse effects on image quality. This study elucidates the manner in which patient discomfort adversely impacts the imaging process and delineates the potential implications for radiographers aiming to achieve optimal image quality. At present, there are no established policies or procedures within the radiology department to direct the imaging of patients in pain.