Enhancing radiography education: The roles and challenges of preceptors in the clinical supervision and training of student radiographers
Bismark Ofori-Manteaw, H S Yeboah, A.-R. Wuni
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Clinical training is an essential component of radiography education. However, the increasing number of radiography educational institutions and students in Ghana exposes preceptors to challenges in the performance of their preceptorship roles. AIM: To investigate the roles and challenges of preceptors in the clinical supervision and training of radiography students in Ghana and provide recommendations for addressing these challenges. METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based survey was used in gathering the data. Participants were practicing radiographers involved in preceptorship roles in the training of radiography students. A non-probability convenient sampling method was used in gathering the data and analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. RESULTS: 90 valid responses were received within the time frame with majority having 3-5 years post-qualification experience. 78 % of the participants (N = 70) expressed strong interest in preceptorship roles. The respondents were involved in various roles including clinical supervision (N = 90), assessment and evaluation (82 %, N = 74) and mentorship (72 %, N = 65). Inadequate equipment (82 %; N = 74), increased workload (78 %, N = 71), overcrowding (71 %; N = 64), lack of collaboration (68 %; N = 61), no renumeration (70 %; N = 63), and lack of clear objectives/guidelines from educational institutions (66 %; N = 59) were key challenges to preceptorship roles. CONCLUSIONS: Preceptors play an essential role in clinical supervision and training, yet they face numerous challenges. The findings highlight the need for effective collaboration between educational institutions and the professional workforce in student training. Support from educational institutions and the development of institutional guidelines for preceptors could help improve the preceptorship roles of radiographers in Ghana. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: The challenges identified can significantly impact the effectiveness of preceptorship roles. Addressing them would enhance the teaching and learning experiences of student radiographers.