Economic, ethical and legal implications of evidence-based practice and continuing professional development in radiography: A narrative review

Abstract

Objectives

There is an increasing need to engage with evidence-based practice (EBP) and continuing professional development (CPD) to effectively respond to the current healthcare demands and challenges. This review highlights barriers to applying EBP and CPD, and synthesises the economic, ethical and legal implications of EBP and CPD in radiography.

Key findings

Inconsistent application of EBP and engagement in CPD may not only result in compromised professional development and gaps in knowledge in practice, but also affect patients, healthcare services and health organisations unfavourably from an economic, ethical and legal perspective. Leaders such as managers in radiology departments may play a key role in fostering an evidence-based culture.

Conclusion

Consistent application of EBP and CPD in daily practice is beneficial to patients, professionals and healthcare organisations from an economic, legal and intellectual perspectives. Morally and ethically, although it has some conflicting views to EBP, applying an evidence-based approach may be considered a professional's responsibility to ensure the provision of prime quality care and treatment.

Implications for practice

The delay in translation of evidence-based interventions into everyday practice has several consequences and leads to possible missed opportunities including failure to provide best available care, reduction of unnecessary imaging procedures and cost. Hence, it is crucial for radiographers to regularly engage in EBP and CPD, and for healthcare organisations and radiology managers to educate themselves on EBP and CPD, and act as knowledgeable leaders for developing, enhancing, and sustaining EBP and CPD as the norm, create an environment that facilitates and empowers staff, and support staff to appreciate the rationale for any organisational changes associated with EBP.