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The Netflix series Maid, based on a memoir by Stephanie Land, offers a powerful picture of what individuals face when they navigate the health and human services system in the [...]

Simulation has an ever-increasing role in health professions' education, however there is limited evidence on the transferability of learning to practice. In this study, a pragmatic approach using a convergent mixed methods design explored the use of a virtual high-fidelity Computed Tomography (CT) simulator in preparing students for clinical placement. Specifically, it aimed to describe radiography students' perceptions of their confidence and ability to transfer their learning from a virtual CT simulator into clinical practice. Radiography students (n = 60) were surveyed on their perceptions of how using the CT simulator (5 hours) prepared them for clinical placement. Four themes emerged from the data analysis: Simulation platform, Teaching and learning activities, Confidence and Transferability. Key findings demonstrated a significant link between the students' perceptions of their ability to transfer their learning into practice and the CT scanner platform they used on clinical placement. Students who used a CT scanner on placement that was similar to the simulator were more likely to believe their learning was transferable to practice compared with those who did not use a similar scanner on placement. However, confidence gained was not dependent on the scanner used on clinical placement. Discussion on the metacognitive processes linked to these findings are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A lack of patient safety research hampers capacity to improve safety in healthcare. Ultrasound is often considered 'safe' as it does not use ionising radiation, a simplistic view of patient safety. Understanding sonographers' actions towards patient safety is crucial; however, self-reported measures cannot always predict behaviour. This study is part of a PhD exploring patient safety in medical diagnostic ultrasound. The aim of this paper is to explore sonographers' responses to the patient safety concerns identified in Part one of this study. The ultimate aim of the study is to inform the final phase of the doctoral study which will consider the next steps in improving the quality and safety of healthcare experienced by patients. Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) explained how sonographers respond to perceived patient safety risks in practice. Results: Thirty-one sonographers were interviewed. Based on the seven themes identified in Part one of the study, results showed that incongruences exist between identifying patient safety risks and the actions taken in practice to manage these risks. Conclusion: The TPB showed that behavioural, normative and control beliefs impact sonographers' responses to perceived patient safety risks in practice and can lead to risk avoidance. Lack of regulation in ultrasound creates a challenge in dealing with Fitness to Practice issues. Collective actions are required to support sonographers in taking appropriate actions to enhance patient safety from multiple stakeholders including accreditation bodies, regulatory authorities, educational institutions and employers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patient safety has been an undervalued component of quality healthcare but is a challenging area of research. Ultrasound is the most common imaging modality in the world. Research on patient safety in ultrasound is generally focused on bioeffects and safe operation of ultrasound equipment. However, other safety issues exist in practice that warrant consideration. This paper forms the first part of a PhD study exploring patient safety in medical diagnostic ultrasound, beyond the notion of bioeffects. The ultimate aim of the study is to inform the final phase of the research study which will consider the next steps in improving the quality and safety of healthcare experienced by patients. Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. A thematic analysis categorised data into codes and generated final themes. Results: A heterogeneous mix of 31 sonographers, who reflected the profile of the profession in Australia, were interviewed between September 2019 and January 2020. Seven themes emerged from the analysis. These were bioeffects, physical safety, workload, reporting, professionalism, intimate examinations and infection control. Conclusion: This study presents a comprehensive analysis of sonographers' perceptions of patient safety in ultrasound imaging, not previously available in the literature. Consistent with the literature, patient safety in ultrasound tends to be viewed in technical terms through the potential for bioeffects of tissue damage or physical harm to the patient. However, other patient safety issues have emerged, and while not as well recognised, have the potential to negatively impact on patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]