Radiography community involvement in the professional socialisation of diagnostic radiography students

Introduction

Professional socialisation entails acquisition and internalisation of knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become members of a chosen profession. In the healthcare professions, the process is initiated during undergraduate academic and clinical learning, with clinical learning considered as more significant. This suggests that clinical radiographers play a key role in socialising students into the radiography profession. Based on communities of practice, a theory of social learning, professional socialisation of diagnostic radiography students would involve different members of the radiography community. Limited knowledge exists on the professional socialisation of diagnostic radiography students.

Aim

This study aimed to explore how diagnostic radiography students are socialised in the clinical environment with a focus on the role of communities of practice.

Methods

Qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive research was conducted. Data was collected through unstructured interviews and focus groups. Interview recordings were verbatim transcribed, and framework analysis was used to analyse data.

Findings

Data analysis resulted in the identification of a key theme, radiography community involvement, with four subthemes: shared responsibility for learning and teaching, critical reflection and lifelong learning, interpersonal skills, and empathy and consideration for students.

Conclusion

Effective professional socialisation of diagnostic radiography students is essential to develop radiography knowledge, skills, and values. The findings presented in this paper highlight the importance of the radiography community involvement in the professional socialisation of students because the various members of this community have valuable knowledge to share and a role to play.

Implications for practice

The findings can guide development of initiatives to support radiography community members in their role as facilitators of student professional socialisation, which in turn will enable effective professional socialisation for the students.