The document discusses a study investigating the correlation between academic performance and clinical competence among radiographers in Southeast Nigeria. The study aims to identify any gaps between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It involves determining radiographers' academic qualifications and examining their clinical competence using a standardized scale. The results show a strong positive correlation between higher academic performance, like obtaining a bachelor's or master's degree, and greater clinical competence. Continuous professional development and years of experience are also found to enhance radiographers' clinical abilities over time. The study aims to provide insights to improve radiography education and training programs.
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►ABSTRACT
►CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
►CHAPTER TWO : LITERATURE REVIEW
►CHAPTER THREE: MATERIALS AND METHOD
►CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND
ANALYSIS
►CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION, SUMMARY OF
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION
TABLE OF CONTENT
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The correlation between academic performance and clinical competence among
radiographers is a subject of interest in healthcare education and practice. This study
aimed to explore this relationship and its implications , identifying the gap between
theory and practice by assessing the radiographers competence using the radiographers
competency scale .
Academic performance have a role to play in the clinical competence of radiographers
,because clinical competence is the integration of knowledge and skill into practice
Relationship between academic performance and clinical competence among
radiographers in South East showed a strong positive correlation . The findings noted the
importance of academic qualifications, particularly class of degree and continuous
development courses , as a predictor of clinical competence. .years of experience play a
crucial role in enhancing clinical skills, emphasizing the need for ongoing professional
development to ensure high-quality patient care in radiography practice.
ABSTRACT
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INTRODUCTION
The correlation between academic performance and clinical competence
among radiographers faces several challenges. One significant challenge
is the limited research specifically focused on this relationship within the
Nigerian context. Ajayi & Odu,( 2019). The scarcity of studies exploring
the correlation makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions or make
evidence-based decisions regarding curriculum development and
educational practices (Ajayi & Odu, 2019). There are variations in the
institutions offering radiography education in Nigeria universities, both
private and federal university leading to differences in curriculum
design, teaching methodologies, and clinical training opportunities (Ajayi
& Odu, 2019).
These variations make it challenging to establish a standardized approach
for evaluating the correlation between academic performance and clinical
competence. Furthermore, the quality of clinical training poses a
challenge to the development of clinical competence among radiography
students. Limited clinical placement opportunities, inadequate
supervision, and outdated equipment and facilities can hinder the
acquisition of practical skills Adesina et al ( 2019).
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► The aim of the study is to correlate between
academic performance and clinical competence
among radiographers in South East which is
essential for ensuring the quality of radiography
education and practice. Exploring this relationship
within the global and local contexts will contribute to
the knowledge base and to identify the gap between
theory and practice ,to enhance the assessment of
education and training of radiographers and
ultimately assessing the radiographers clinical
competence which is a fundamental prerequisite for
guaranteeing standards in practice and improving
patient care and safety. Migrating radiography
training from university based education to
competency –based training ..
Aim of the study
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Since radiography migrated from hospital to university based trainings .
There has been insinuations that academic performance or excellence by
students does not match clinical competence
Despite the increasing emphasis on radiographer’s clinical competence in the
healthcare industry it remains unclear whether academic performance
has a significant impact on the clinical competence.
This work therefore is focused to investigate if a relationship exist between
academic performance and clinical competence of radiographers as an
audit of training curriculum.
This is against the background of controversy that clinical competence of
hospital based trained nurses possess better competence than university
based trained nurses .
Improving the quality of radiography education in Nigeria could lead to
better clinical outcomes for patient. Addressing the problem of academic
performance on clinical competence of radiographers in Nigeria is
important to improve quality of healthcare services and improved patient
outcome.
Statement of the problem
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The general objective of
the study was to
determine the correlation
between academic
performance and clinical
competence of
radiographers in South
East Nigeria
Specific– Objectives
The specific objective of the research are to :
1.Determine the academic performance of radiographers
in Southeast represented by examination grades,
academic qualifications and continuous development
courses attended.
2.Determine the clinical competence of radiographers in
Southeast using Radiographers competence scale .
3.Investigate the relationship between academic
performance and clinical competence.
4. Determine the aspect of academic performance that
correlates more with clinical competence.
5. investigate the influence of years of experience on
clinical competence of radiographers in South-east
General
objectives
Research Objectives
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The study will identify the
gap between knowledge
acquired by radiographers
during trainings , post
graduate and the continuous
development courses and
clinical competence for
improved curriculum
development .
► This study will enhance continuous professional development
which is important for radiographers to stay current with the latest
advances in technology, techniques and procedures. By studying the
educational performance of radiographers, it is possible to identify
areas of improvement and develop training program that will
enhance professional development.
► The relationship between academic performance and clinical
competence, this study can contribute to the advancement of
radiography profession, by identifying areas of improvements in
academic qualifications, enhancing professional standards and
promote the importance of clinical competence among
radiographers.
► Ensuring the adequate training of radiographers in clinical practice,
skills leading to better patient outcomes to the citizens.
► It will provide a guide for assessing the performance of
radiographers , and also serve as a template for the recruitment of
radiographers .
► It will serve as a guide to the development of continuous
development courses and post graduate program.
Major significance
Significance of the study
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The relationship between academic performance
and clinical competence among radiographers has
been a subject of research and debate in recent
years. Academic performance is often seen as an
important factor in predicting clinical
competence, as higher academic achievement is
thought to lead to better clinical skills and
outcomes. However, some studies have found
little to no correlation between academic
performance and clinical competence among
radiographers.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACADEMIC
PERFORMANCE AND CLINICAL COMPETENCE
AMONG RADIOGRAPHERS
Radiography
education, clinical
training, and work
experience plays
great role in
academic
performance and
clinical competence
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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
The study design adopted a prospective cross-sectional
approach. This involves the use of a validated structured
questionnaire to a large sample of participants to
systematically gather information relevant to the research
questions for practicing radiographers in the South East , and
correlating between academic performance and clinical
competence.
Sample size
The sampling size for the study was estimated using the Yaro Yamanis
formula which states that :n= N/1+N(e)^2
• Inclusion criteri
• Exclusion criteria
Selection Criteria
CHAPTER THREE
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n =the required sample size , which was unknown
N=( finite population )= 300
( this figure was gotten by calculating the average number
of radiographers working in the above mentioned health
institutions within the period of this study .
e =(limit of tolerance error ) =0.05
1= constant
This is given as, n=120/1 +120(0.05)^2
n =120/1+120*0.0025
n =120/1 +0.1775
n =120/1.1775
n =100,n= the sample size
How the sample size is
determined
Two private diagnostics centres were
selected from each state as the sampling
frame for this study they include Image
diagnostics owerri, everight diagnostic
center owerri, wave diagnostics anambra ,
GEM diagnostics Hansa clinic Enugu and n
,Saltcity Diagnostics Abakaliki and 1
public hospital from four states which
includes : federal teaching hospital
Abakaliki, University of Nigeria Teaching
Hospital Enugu and National Orthopaedic
Hospital Enugu , Federal Medical Centre
Owerri, Nnamdi Azikiwe teaching hospital
.
Sampling Techniques
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AAG
Table 1: Percentage distribution of demographics
characteristics of radiographers
• Age
• Gender
• Radiographers
qualification and
highest academic
qualification
• Working place
• Working experience
Table 2: Percentage distribution of academic performa
radiographers in Southeast
Academic Performance Frequency Percentage
Radiographer qualification Bachelor Degree 77 77.0
Continuous Development Course attended 3 3.0
Master Degree 15 15.0
Postgraduate Course 5 5.0
Class of Degree
1st Class 10 10.0
2nd Class 86 86.0
3rd Class 4 4.0
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Percentage distribution of the clinical competence of
radiographers in Southeast using Radiographers competence
scale
90%
2%
8%
Preliminary assessment of images and accuracy
High
Medium
Low
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Evauation of the clinical competence of radiographer:
Middle 6-10 High
Correlation Analysis between Class of degree and Clinical
Competence Scores
1-4
5
6-10
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Model Summary
Model R R SquareAdjusted R Square Std. Error of
the Estimate
1 .425a .181 .089 .884
a. Predictors: (Constant), Clinical performance
ANOVAa
Model Sum of Squares Df Mean Square F Sig.
1 Regression 15.362 10 1.536 1.964
.047b
Residual69.598 89 .782
Total 84.960 99
a. Dependent Variable: Radiographers qualification
b. Predictors: (Constant), Clinical competence
Determine the aspect of academic
performance that correlates more with clinical
competence
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The findings of this research study shed light on the correlation between academic performance and clinical competence among radiographers in
South East Nigeria. The study involved a comprehensive analysis of data collected from radiographers and explored various aspects of clinical
competence and their relationship with academic performance. The following are the key findings of the study:
Academic Performance and Clinical Competence: The analysis noted a significant and relatively strong positive relationship between clinical
competence and the Class of Degree attained by radiographers. Radiographers with higher academic qualifications, such as bachelor's or master's
degrees, tend to demonstrate greater clinical competence and diagnostic accuracy. Academic performance, represented by the Class of Degree, has
a robust association with clinical competence.
Continuous Professional Development and Years of Experience: Previous research in the field of radiography has consistently supported the
importance of continuous professional development (CPD) and practical experience. Engaging in CPD opportunities and gaining more years of
experience enhances radiographers' clinical skills, decision-making abilities, and overall proficiency. Both educational attainment and practical
experience play key roles in shaping and refining radiographers' clinical competence over time.
Radiographer-Patient Communication and Patient Satisfaction: Previous studies have explored the impact of effective radiographer-patient
communication on patient satisfaction during radiological procedures. Effective communication skills contribute to improved patient experiences
and overall healthcare outcomes, highlighting the significance of fostering positive interactions between radiographers and patients.
Radiation Safety Practices: Research has investigated radiographers' adherence to radiation safety guidelines and protocols. Ensuring safety
compliance is crucial in minimizing radiation exposure to patients and radiographers, promoting occupational health, and maintaining a safe
working environment in radiology departments.
Impact of Experience on Diagnostic Accuracy: Studies have examined how experience influences radiographers' diagnostic abilities. More
experienced radiographers tend to demonstrate heightened clinical skills, confidence, and proficiency, leading to improved diagnostic accuracy
compared to less-experienced counterparts.
Summary of findings
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Conclusion
The analysis and synthesis of various findings in the field of radiography have shown the critical aspects that impact clinical
competence on patient care. The research noted a positive correlation between academic qualifications and clinical competence,
indicating that radiographers with higher academic achievements tend to demonstrate greater proficiency in their clinical practice.
Additionally, continuous professional development and years of experience have emerged as key factors that contribute to the
enhancement of radiographers' clinical skills and decision-making abilities over time.
The significance of effective radiographer-patient communication has been highlighted, as it plays a pivotal role in influencing
patient satisfaction during radiological procedures. Ensuring adherence to radiation safety guidelines and protocols is crucial for
minimizing radiation exposure to patients and radiographers, promoting a safe working environment, and safeguarding occupationa
health.
Moreover, the impact of experience on diagnostic accuracy underscores the value of practical knowledge and expertise in refining
clinical competence. More experienced radiographers show improved diagnostic accuracy compared to their less-experienced
counterparts.
As radiography continues to evolve with advancements in technology and medical imaging techniques, integrating these research-
based insights into training programs and healthcare practices is vital. Embracing evidence-based approaches will lead to improved
patient outcomes, better overall healthcare experiences, and the delivery of high-quality radiological services for the benefit of
patients and the radiography profession as a whole.