Challenges of Imaging Obese Patients in General Radiography: A Qualitative Systematic Review to Guide the Training and Practice in Zambia

Background: Obese patients are increasingly being referred for medical imaging examinations across the world. Obese patients require a modified standard of care to compensate for challenges caused by both technical and psychological issues related to their weight and body habitus. There have been research studies conducted on this issue, but no systematic review has brought the findings of these studies together to inform training and practice.  Aim: This study was aimed at synthesising primary studies on the challenges faced by radiographers and radiography students in imaging obese patients to guide the training and practice in Zambia. Methods: This qualitative systematic review was conducted using the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines. Two databases (PubMed and ScienceDirect) were systematically searched to identify relevant literature. This was supplemented by other sources: radiography journals, grey literature, and cited references. Data from the included studies were assessed for quality, extracted, and synthesised using thematic analysis. Results: Five studies were identified and included in this review. Following data analysis, four themes related to challenges faced in imaging obese patients in general radiography emerged: difficulties in communicating without causing psychosocial distress, manual handling risks, limitation of the equipment, and difficulties in positioning and determining the exposure factors for diagnostic radiographic images.  Conclusion: This review provides an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by radiographers and radiography students in imaging obese patients. Strategies to enhance radiography training and practice have been identified to help educators and radiographers.