To many in the UK public, radiographers are often thought of as merely operators of X-ray machines. And whilst it’s true that many do indeed carry out significant X-ray scanning duties, the role of a radiographer is far more wide ranging. Plus, besides the necessary technical abilities required, there are significant people skills necessary to calm and engage the patient prior to precisely positioning the diagnostic apparatus for that all important internal review of their illness or injury.
Radiography roles can be sub divided into two strands; diagnostic and therapeutic. Both strands necessitate radiographers having a comprehensive knowledge of technology, especially physics, pathology, anatomy and physiology to practise professionally.
Jobs-wise, the NHS employs 90% of all radiographers, with most diagnostic radiographers working in the radiology and imaging departments of a hospital. The other 10% work in industry or private hospitals and clinics. Currently the UK has around 26,000 qualified and student registered radiographers, with the split between diagnostic and therapeutic strands approximately ten to one.
At the most senior levels, for example Superintendent Radiographer, practitioners are also accountable for capital and revenue expenditure and human resource management.
Radiologists should not be confused with radiographers, as radiologists are clinical doctors who have spent many years training as specialists in the interpretation of diagnostic imaging. Radiographers do not normally interpret images.
There are five major diagnostic technologies or modalities
X-ray
These images penetrate below the skin and tissues to examine bones, cavities and foreign objects. It is the commonest form of diagnostic tool used in accident and emergency (A&E) departments. Other variations include fluoroscopy which images the digestive system to provide a live motion x-ray, plus angiography which is a technique used by interventional radiologists to investigate blood vessels.
CT
A CT (computerised tomography) scanner is a special kind of X-ray scanner that instead of sending out a single X-ray through your body as with ordinary X-ray machines, sends several beams simultaneously from different angles. This technique creates a 3D image which can then be split into individual slices.
MRI
A magnetic resonance imaging scanner requires the patient to lie flat and motionless in a tube surrounded by powerful electro magnets which rotate around the tube to build a 2D or 3D map of different tissue types within the body. This process can take a while and many patients need reassurance from the radiographer before being placed inside the tube, especially those who suffer from claustrophobia.
Ultrasound
This modality, often called Sonography, uses a hand held scanning device and is regularly used in obstetrics and gynaecology to check the growth or advancement of a baby. It can also be used to check circulation and examine the heart.
Nuclear Medicine
Radionuclides are combined with other chemical compounds or pharmaceuticals in Nuclear Medicine to form radiopharmaceuticals. These ‘tracer’ chemicals once administered to the patient, often in the form of injection, allow the radiographer to image the extent of a disease-process in the body, based on the cellular function and physiology, rather than relying on physical changes in the tissue anatomy. Diseases of the bone and thyroid are often diagnosed using nuclear medicine.
Therapeutic radiography
Nowadays therapeutic radiographers are called radiotherapy radiographers to reflect their work alongside the oncology team who help treat patients suffering with cancer. These radiographers deliver specific and accurate doses of X-rays and other ionising radiation to treat the tumours of cancer suffering patients, whilst minimising the dose received by the surrounding tissues. Radiotherapy radiographers will establish where the tumour is located and calculate the exact dosage required with doctors and medical physicists. Dosages may be set to kill the tumour outright or alternatively, shrink a tumour prior to removal by a surgeon.
It is quite common for the radiotherapy radiographer to be involved in the care of the cancer patient from the initial referral clinic stage, through the planning process, treatment and eventually post-treatment review or follow-up stages. This means having good interpersonal/communication skills in order to help patients to cope with the daily physical and psychological problems associated with having radiotherapy treatment, including information, support, counselling and delivering calming assurance.
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