Foundations of Health (HLTH 1029)

Assessment: Academic Paper (35%)

Word limit: 1,500 including headings, subheadings, in-text references and tables but excluding reference list.

Assessment aims to: provide students will an understanding of their Health discipline in Australia and show quality referencing and resource finding skills

Criteria HD (85%-100%) D (75%-84%) C (65%-74%) P1/2 (50%-64%) F (<50%)

Essay Essay has an outstanding Essay has an excellent Essay has a good The components of the Essay has major problems
construction in construction with a clear, well worded construction with a clear construction with a clear essay are not well defined with construction. There is
terms of an introduction which outlines the paper, introduction, a body which introduction, body and and there is a lack of no logical flow and no
introduction, a body which clearly addresses each clearly includes each conclusion that cover all coherence/flow from start to section of the paper is well
body and requirement linking them together, requirement, and a conclusion required content but: finish... defined.
conclusion and a conclusion that pulls all key that pulls the key points May not flow well;
points succinctly together. together. Intro may not introduce paper
(10 marks) focus; Conclusion may not
summarise body content;
Grammar, No spelling or grammatical errors. Minor (no more than three), No more than five spelling Between six and eight More than eight spelling
Spelling, spelling and/or grammatical and/or grammatical errors spelling and/or grammatical and/or grammatical errors
Formatting, Formatting guidelines followed in errors. throughout the paper. throughout paper. .
word count all three aspects.
(10 marks) Formatting guidelines Formatting guidelines Formatting guidelines Formatting guidelines not
Spell and grammar followed in all three
check your work Up to 10 words above/below word followed in two aspects. followed in one aspect. followed.
before submission limit. aspects.
Format = 1.5
Up to 50 words above/below Up to 100 words above/ Greater than 100 words
spacing, 12 size below word limit. below/above word limit.
font, 2.5 cm margins Up to 25 words above/below word limit.
word limit.
Ability to The paper presents an outstanding The paper presents an The paper presents a good The paper presents a The paper does not address
present and explanation of All required points re excellent explanation of Al l explanation of most required satisfactory/acceptable key requirements re enrolled
respond to the enrolled health discipline. required points re enrolled points re enrolled health explanation of most required health discipline.
key points. health discipline. discipline. points re enrolled health
Succinct, very clear description of a discipline. Omissions highlighted:
vast range of discipline foci Very clear description of Clear description of most -Discipline foci (diseases,
(30 marks) obvious discipline foci Describes most obvious
(diseases, activities, other); range of discipline foci activities, other);
All key registration/qualification (diseases, activities, other); (diseases, activities, other); discipline foci (diseases,
requirements; Key registration/qualification Most key registration/ activities, other); -Registration/
Where they work and how impacts requirements; Qualification requirements Identifies most key Qualification requirements.
(excellent noting of implications). Where they work and how identified; registration/
impacts discipline work (notes Notes where they work but -Where they work.
How relates to consumers (term(s) implications);. struggles to identify Qualification requirements.
used and implications) And notes re implications.
-Term used to relate to
discipline viz Aboriginal Australians How relates to consumers How relates to consumers Notes where they work. consumers.
(key points or gaps and why (term used) And notes re (term used noted) Identifies term used to relate
important). to consumers. -Notes viz Aboriginal
Discipline viz Aboriginal Notes re Discipline viz Australians
May/able to include comparisons to Australians (key points or Aboriginal Australians (key Notes viz Aboriginal
other disciplines, other countries, gaps but struggles re points or gaps, struggles re Australians
or… importance). implications)
Use of Voice & Excellent use of their own voice and Very good use of their own Good use of paraphrasing. Satisfactory/adequate use of Inadequate paraphrasing –
Paraphrasing paraphrasing. It is very clear what voice and paraphrasing. It is May struggle to convey own paraphrasing. meaning of other authors not
(10 marks) their own ideas are and how they are clear what their own ideas are voice. Information conveyed in own conveyed.
using the literature to support them. and how they are using the words but unclear/very
Voice = your
though ts: oth er
literature to support them. Use of quotes limited to key unclear.
authors No use of quotes unless quoting key words or phrases. No use of own voice.
Paraph rase = words that could not be paraphrased Use of quotes limited to key Relies on quotes to present
summarising o ther adequately. words or phrases. information that could be Overuse/inappropriate use of
writers in your o wn
easily paraphrased. quotes.
words
Identify and use Outstanding - All required points Excellent - All required Very Good – at least three Satisfactory – At least 2 Required points are not
good quality are supported with appropriate points are supported with required points are required points are supported with
resources (eg resources appropriate resources supported with appropriate supported with appropriate appropriate resources
governmen t, AND OR resources resources even of low quality.
discipline, peer All sources are of an excellent All sources are of an AND
reviewed jour nals) standard. excellent standard. Most sources are of an At least 2 sources are of an All sources are of a low
(10 marks) excellent standard. excellent standard. standard
Use adequate The referencing style is consistent There may be some minor There may be some There will be major Referencing style does not
and correct and correct in both in-text and the mistakes in the in-text inconsistency and/or mistakes in the referencing follow APA style. (Student
referencing reference list. and/or reference list. mistakes in the referencing style both in-text and/or in must resubmit and comply
skills style in-text and/or in the the reference list. with style to gain 15/30 for
Very good attribution is reference list. this component). If no
Excellent attribution is made resubmission received,
made throughout. Just acceptable attribution
(30 marks) throughout. final assessment receives
Reasonable attribution is is made throughout.
APA referencing guide made throughout. F1.
If unacceptable attribution
submitted, paper will be
referred to Academic
Integrity officer. (AIO)
Marker Notes:
 Highlight appropriate cell, insert feedback comments in assessment comment box ONLY.
 Upload assessment and marks onto learn-online system. Grade will be released through learn online system by course coordinator.
 Lateness deduction will be applied by course coordinator once paper is assessment. No deduction comments on this marksheet.
Introduction

Medical imaging, also known as radiology, is the creation of images of the internal body
which are captured through methods of non-invasive medical procedures (NPS
MedicineWise, 2016). Radiology is a broad medical field, therefore radiographers can work
in a vast number of fields and areas, with different health practitioners, as well as treat
patients from different cultures and heritages (Allied Health Professions Australia, AHPA,
2020). This academic paper will explore the role of a radiographer, their duties and
responsibilities, the qualifications and registration process required to become fully
registered, the different employment settings, how patients of different ages and cultures may
influence the services provided, as well as a radiographer’s capacity to cater to the needs of
patients with Indigenous Australian backgrounds.

The core activities and responsibilities of a radiographer

Radiographers perform a crucial role as they are responsible for the operation of x-ray
equipment to produce high-quality medical images that support health practitioners in
diagnosing, monitoring, and treating patients in any stage of life (AHPA, 2020).
Radiographers are part of a diagnostic health team which specialises in specific areas of
imaging such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
sonography, and mammography (AdventHealth University, AHU, 2017). These
radiographers work with both ionising and non-ionising radiation during the imagining
process to capture a medical image (AHU, 2017).

Although a radiographer does not diagnose the condition of a patient, they work closely with
other allied health professionals including radiologists and specialised practitioners to
interpret the imaging results to create a treatment plan (Healthdirect Australia, 2021).
Radiographers must communicate accurately and effectively with the professionals they work
with so that the imaging procedure is carried out correctly and safely (Healthdirect Australia,
2021). As radiographers have patients from all stages of life, clear communication is essential
for cooperation from the patient (Chau, M. Q. 2020). Radiographers must also consider their
patient's medical history, physical condition, and other aspects which could put the patient’s
health at risk during the imaging procedure (Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia,
MRPBA, 2020).

Radiographers are responsible for ensuring that their medical imaging equipment is properly
maintained and correctly calibrated, which requires an understanding of the imaging
technology and the physics utilised to produce a medical image so that a radiographer can
correctly troubleshoot the problem (MRPBA, 2020). In addition, radiographers ensure the
safety of their patients during the imaging process by monitoring for any adverse reactions or
complications and taking steps to minimise their radiation exposure (MRPBA, 2020). If an
adverse reaction does occur, radiographers are required to be first aid trained and should
administer CPR before medics arrive (MRPBA, 2021).

The qualifications and requirements for registration

To be recognised as a radiographer by the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia

(MRPBA), students need to successfully complete an approved program of study before they
can apply for registration (MRPBA, 2021). The course must be accredited by the MRPBA,
which allows students to complete their required 1400 hours of clinical placement under
supervision in an approved private radiology clinic or hospital radiology department (AHPA,
2020). Graduates are then eligible to apply for general registration with the MRPBA upon
course completion (MRPBA, 2021).

Whilst radiographers and other Allied Health professionals such as physiotherapists,

pharmacists, chiropractors, and others are all supported by the Australian Health Practitioner
Regulation Agency (AHPRA), radiographers are also specifically registered under the
MRPBA (Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, ASMIRT, 2020).
Radiographers are required to renew their registration annually and like Allied Health
professionals must record 60 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) within a 3-
year period, which ensures the public that registered radiographers have up-to-date
knowledge and skills required for safe practice (MRPBA, 2022).
Where do radiographers work?

Radiographers work in a variety of different roles with many health care professionals and
are most commonly employed in public and private radiology clinics (MRPBA, 2020). Other
diverse employment settings include working in major hospitals, medical equipment
companies, the Defence Force, and specialised clinics such as cancer clinics (University of
South Australia, UniSA, n.d.).

In a hospital setting, radiographers may work closely with surgeons in many situations
(MRPBA, 2020). Radiographers are tasked with taking x-rays and medical images to provide
the surgeon with diagnostic images, which can enable surgeons to identify problems and plan
surgical produces (MRPBA, 2020). Within an operating theatre when surgical operations are
proceeding, radiographers have a crucial responsibility to work with surgeons and provide
real-time imaging which guides the surgeon’s decisions and ensures that the operation is safe
and effective (MRPBA, 2020).

Within a clinical setting, radiographers work closely with radiologists to deliver diagnostic
imaging services to patients (MRPBA, 2020). Radiographers communicate with radiologists
to make sure that the captured medical images are relevant and provide the information that
radiologists need to make an accurate diagnosis (Healthdirect Australia, 2021). Since
radiologists only interpret the images which have been provided, it is the role of the
radiographer to prepare the patient for the procedure and ensure the quality of the produced
image (Healthdirect Australia, 2021).

Radiographers have patients from all stages of life, which brings about a need for different
methods of communication and the ability to relate with the patient (MRPBA, 2020). For
younger children, radiographers would require distraction techniques as well as providing
constant praise to keep the child calm during the imaging process (Saron et al, 2023). With
elderly patients, radiographers must take into consideration the mobility or cognitive
limitations that the patient may have, as well as their sensitivity to radiation due to old age
(MRPBA, 2020). Radiographers may need to alter the imaging procedure to cater to the
patient’s needs and ensure the patient is comfortable and safe during the procedure (MRPBA,
2020).
How do radiographers relate to patients from different cultures, and Aboriginal or
Indigenous Australian backgrounds?

Radiographers mainly refer to the people they treat as “patients”, whereas the use of “client”
is rare but also appropriate, which is evident in the word choices on the MRPBA website, in
research papers, as well as in journal articles (MRPBA, 2020). Since primarily using the term
“patient” can have negative connotations, which can cause anxiety in those who have had
previous medical trauma, it makes it especially important for radiographers to be able to
relate to their patients and reduce their anxiety (Costa et al, 2019).

When treating patients from a diverse cultural backgrounds, a radiographer is expected to

have cultural competence, which means an understanding that culture may include, but is not
restricted to the patient’s gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, religion, socio-
economic position (including their occupation), mental health, and physical health (MRPBA,
2020). A radiographer should understand that different socio-cultural factors impact a
patient’s attitude towards medical radiation procedures, therefore tailor their interactions
accordingly (MRPBA, 2020). Language barriers may occur due to the patient’s background
and culture, so it is important to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with the
translator so that all parties understand the imaging process (MRPBA, 2020). Given the
language barrier, most MRPBA accredited programs of study (including the medical imaging
course offered at the University of South Australia) encourage the completion of a diploma of
languages to overcome the communication barrier (UniSA, n.d.).

When tending to patients from Aboriginal or Indigenous Australian backgrounds,

radiographers need to be mindful of being respectful of their culture’s history, spirituality, and
connection to the land to avoid inadvertently offending the patient (MRPBA, 2020).
Communicating with the onsite or local Aboriginal Health Worker (AHW) allows for insight
into the patient’s native tongue, and indigenous beliefs, as well as other special requests or
requirements for the patient (Williams et al, 2020). Since English may not be the patient’s
first language, the information proved by the AHW is valuable as it demonstrates a cultural
understanding and establishes a relationship between the radiographer and the patient which
leads to their cooperation (Squibb et al, 2015). Whilst other health care professionals such as
physiotherapists or speech learning pathologists can provide services or treatment outside of
their clinics, radiographers are not able to complete the imaging process outside of a
radiology clinic or hospital (AHPA, 2020). Therefore, the imaging process must not feel like
an interrogation where active communication between the patient and the radiographer,
which may be mediated through an AHW, allows for the optimum quality of care to be
delivered (Williams et al, 2020).

Conclusion

In conclusion, radiographers are professionals that work with patients from every stage of
life. They are responsible for capturing and producing high-quality medical images with non-
invasive medical procedures through the use and operation of x-ray equipment. These
medical images assist the health practitioners that radiographers work with diagnose and
treating a patient’s condition. All radiographers are registered with the MRPBA and have
completed an accredited course in addition to at least 1400 hours of clinical practice, where
60 hours of CPD must be completed every 3 years after registration. Radiographers work in a
variety of clinical settings and with patients from different cultures and is important to be
culturally competent when working with such patients.
Reference List

AdventHealth University. (2017, April 17). What Does a Radiographer Do? Job Duties &

Requirements. https://www.ahu.edu/blog/what-does-a-radiographer-do

Allied Health Professions Australia. (2020, September 20). Medical Radiations - Allied

Health Professions Australia.

https://ahpa.com.au/allied-health-professions/diagnostic-radiographer-medical-

imaging-technologist

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. (2020). The National Scheme’s

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy 2020-2025.

Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT). (2020, November

2). Differences between states in employment conditions - ASMIRT. ASMIRT.

https://www.asmirt.org/careers-and-employment/differences-between-states-in-

employment-conditions/

Chau, M. Q. (2020). Cultural Diversity and the Importance of Communication, Cultural

Competence, and Uncertainty in Radiography. Journal of Medical Imaging and

Radiation Sciences, 51(4), S17–S22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmir.2020.04.005

Costa, D. P., Mercieca-Bebber, R., Tesson, S., Seidler, Z. E., & Lopez, A. (2019). Patient,

client, consumer, survivor or other alternatives? A scoping review of preferred terms

for labelling individuals who access healthcare across settings. BMJ Open, 9(3),

e025166. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025166

Healthdirect Australia. (2021, February). What is a radiographer? What is a radiologist?

Healthdirect. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-is-a-radiographer-what-is-a-

radiologist
Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia. (2020). Professional capabilities for medical

radiation practitioners.

Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia. (2021, December 12). Registration

requirements and your obligations.

https://www.medicalradiationpracticeboard.gov.au/Registration/Registration-

requirements-and-your-obligations.aspx

Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia. (2022, October 7). Continuing professional

development. https://www.medicalradiationpracticeboard.gov.au/Registration-

Standards/CPD.aspx

NPS MedicineWise. (2016, December 22). Imaging explained.

https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/imaging-explained

Saron, H., Bray, L., Carter, B., & Wilkinson, C. (2023). Communication during children’s X-

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Radiography. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2023.02.012

Squibb, K., Bull, R., Smith, A. C., & Dalton, L. (2015). Australian rural radiographers’

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Williams, I., Baird, M., & Schneider, M. (2020). Experiences of radiographers working alone

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Radiography, 26(4), e284–e289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2020.04.009