Investigating Confidence Levels of Saudi Clinical Supervisors in Radiology Departments

BACKGROUND: Effective teaching and supervision within hospitals play an essential role in training radiography students. However, inadequate preparation of teaching roles has been highlighted over the last three decades as a problem for many radiographers. This can lead to inadequate preparation and a lack of confidence in the supervisory role, which may affect the students’ learning experience. Few studies in Saudi Arabia have investigated the skills and resources needed by radiographers to become effective and confident teachers. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences and confidence of clinical radiographers in teaching radiography students and establish the areas of support they require to be more effective in their clinical teaching role. METHODS: An online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from radiographers working in Saudi Arabia’s radiology departments. Radiographers who were involved in the supervision of students are included in the study. A total of 159 radiographers participated in the study. RESULTS: The findings showed that radiographers were reasonably confident in four domains: introducing students and familiarizing them within the practice environment, supervision, facilitating students’ learning, and assisting students to integrate into the practice environment while some areas required further development. The finding also indicated high number of students believed that providing an accurate perspective on the philosophy of the environment is not applicable to them. CONCLUSION: The article concludes with a recommendation for further support and guidance for radiographers in teaching roles from institutions. The study provided insights into the world of clinical supervisors in radiology departments. Informative feedback to students during their clinical training by clinical supervisors is a key strategy to fill the gap between theory and practice experienced by students. Additionally, the importance for implementation of ongoing professional development for radiographers is advised to ensure the quality of clinical placement for radiography students.