Reporting radiographers in Norway - A qualitative study on implementation, organisation, and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, there is an increasing use of imaging services and a shortage of radiologists. One potential solution to this challenge involves introducing task shifting, where radiographers actively contribute to reporting diagnostic images alongside radiologists. This study explored the purpose and value of reporting radiographers in Norway's imaging departments.

METHODS: This study used a qualitative design with a descriptive approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven participants, comprising managers, radiologists, and reporting radiographers, from four hospital trusts in south Norway. The collected data were analysed using inductive content analysis.

RESULTS: The analysis generated three main categories: "Organisation," "Barriers and facilitators," and "Experienced outcome." The study showed that successfully implementing reporting radiographers required careful planning and preparation due to radiologists' resistance. The radiologists and managers experienced that reporting radiographers contributed to increased service quality and better training of radiographers and resident physicians. Reporting radiographers found the combination of reporting and diagnostic radiography tasks rewarding and challenging simultaneously.

CONCLUSION: The implementation of reporting radiographers in imaging departments in Norway was described as successful, positively impacting service quality, reporting capacity, and quality development. However, preparation and planning are needed to overcome barriers to task-shifting.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study shows that with management involvement and careful planning, reporting radiographers contribute to a high-quality imaging service.