Transitioning from analogue to digital imaging: Challenges of South African analogue-trained radiographers

Introduction: The work of a radiographer includes using technology to produce x-ray images. The technology employed could either be analogue or digital technology. Over the last 20-25 years analogue-trained radiographers in South Africa have had to produce x-ray images using digital technology. The aim of this paper is to explore and describe the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers utilising digital imaging in projection radiography.

Methods: The study used a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design. Purposive sampling was employed and individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted.

Results: Two themes emanated from the data. The first concerned the evolution of the radiographer when faced with the advances in technology. The second addressed the role that the work environment played in the manner that the participants experienced the change.

Conclusion: Evidence was found of radiographer indifference towards exposure selection, dose optimisation and placement of anatomical side markers in the primary beam when using digital imaging. Further evidence emerged of interprofessional and intergenerational conflict as a result of the introduction of the new technology.