Journal article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Journal article - Essay Example reasing workloads and time constraints, many of the functions solely performed by radiologists are now being performed by radiographers, leading to increased medical malpractice claims. Hence the specific objectives associated with this study are as follows: Since the introduction of the new NHS Plan in 2000, based upon reforms in the way the staff of the NHS worked, nurses and staff members were allowed to extend their roles beyond their traditional boundaries, in the expectation that it would make care more patient centred. Greater workforce flexibility and a team approach have contributed towards the provision of a high quality patient service (Woodford, 2006). The availability of skilled radiologists is limited, but financial constraints, increases in workloads and financial imperatives in the NHS have mandated a transfer of some of the functions of the radiologist to radiographers (Price, 2007). To specifically address the needs of radiographers, the proposed method was to introduce a four tiered service delivery model, wherein advanced practitioners, i.e., radiographers, were to play a key role.(Buttress and Marangon, 2008). In a recent editorial (2010), it has been argued that there is a need for a wider service perspective that can be provided by radiographers, but there is little evidence available to suggest that individual radiographers have grasped the full implications of the nature of leadership and vision that is required to perform these roles successfully. The distinction between an â€Å"advanced† versus â€Å"extended† role for radiographers has been clarified by  ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Hardy and Snaith (2006), who point out that role extension is the acquisition of additional skills, duties and responsibilities beyond those expected of the post while â€Å"advancement† assumes the attainment of a higher level of professional knowledge and ability. Radiographers fall under the category of extended practitioners while radiologists conform to the advanced