Features of and barriers to effective teamwork at university and on clinical placement: The student radiographer perspective

Introduction

Radiography departments require effective teamwork in order to deliver high standards of safe and efficient patient care.

The aim of this study was to explore the features of and barriers to effective teamwork as experienced by pre-registration BSc and MSc diagnostic radiography students at university and during clinical placement.

Method

This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews and the thematic analysis approach of Braun and Clark to investigate the views of diagnostic radiography students on BSc and MSc pre-registration programmes from one university in the Northwest of England.

Results

Barriers to teamwork were identified in a main theme, acceptance into the team and two subthemes, theory-practice gap and trying on the professional self. Features of effective teams were identified in two main themes, positive experiences of teamwork and an ideal team. Students highlighted caring for the team, as equally as important as caring for the patient, and another main theme, a caring team, described both the barriers to, and features of, effective teams.

Conclusion

Students had a developed understanding of the features of effective teams and equated a team that cares for each other, as one able to provide the best care to patients. This study provides an insight into the impact of teamwork on radiography students experiences of university and clinical placement. Barriers to teamwork affect students’ sense of belonging and overall professional development in a clinical environment.

Implications for practice

This study can better inform university and clinical staff regarding improvements to teamworking education and practice for students. It may also provide insights which may influence the teamworking practice of clinical staff.