Transforming and Supporting Patient Care - Health Professions ...

141Chapter 6 – Scope of Practice of Medical Radiation TechnologyIn Great Britain various initiatives have been undertaken to expand roles forMRTs. The radiological technology profession in this jurisdiction has beenproactive in challenging the scope of clinical practice. 38 Over the pastdecade, the scope of practice has evolved in response to changing healthcare needs and rapid innovations emerging in the field. MRTs nowundertake new responsibilities in every area of diagnostic imaging andradiotherapy. 39Health System TrendsLack of access to diagnostic equipment and human resources is impedingearly diagnoses and high quality treatment for patients in some parts of thecountry. 40 In particular, high MRT vacancy rates are found across Canada,especially for radiological technologists and magnetic resonancetechnologists. Workforce shortages contribute to increased patient waittimes, cancelled procedures, decreased patient satisfaction, and providerplans to stop offering a specific service. 41 A recent report suggested thatCanada is below the OECD median for MRI and CT scanners per population,though intensity of operation may vary from country to country. In Canada,the number of diagnostic imaging machines has grown exponentially in thelast decade. 42The demand for MRIs and CTs is rapidly increasing. However, there aresigns of over-reliance on, and inappropriate use of, diagnostic imagingtechnology. Inappropriate imaging is a threat to effective diagnosis andeffective allocation of resources. The development and dissemination ofknowledge-based clinical guidelines (and other decision support systems)is one strategy currently being advocated to reduce inappropriateimaging. 43,44Future advances in computer technology, coupled with an increase in theaccuracy and sensitivity of imaging technologies, will make it possible toseamlessly integrate diagnosis and treatment. It is predicted that imageguidedinterventions will enable health professionals to detect critical38See, for example: College of Radiographers [United Kingdom]. Role Development Revisited: TheResearch Evidence 2003. Radiography. 2003. Hardy, M. and Snaith, B. Role Extension and RoleAdvancement – Is There a Difference? Radiography. Vol 12(4):327-331. 2006. Hogg, Peter. AdvancedClinical Practice for Radiographers in Great Britain: Professional Roles, Accountability and theEducational Provision. The Canadian Journal of Medical Radiation Technology. Vol 35:4. Winter 2004.39College of Radiographers [United Kingdom]. Role Development Revisited: The Research Evidence2003. Radiography. 2003; Hawnaur, Jane. Diagnostic Radiology. British Medical Journal. Vol 319:168-171. 1999; Price, R.C. and Le Masurier, S.B. Longitudinal changes in extended roles in radiography:A new perspective. Radiography. Vol 13(1):18-29. 2007.40Canadian Association of Radiologists. Vision 2000: Medical Imaging Services in Canada. Inpartnership with Organized Radiology – Canadian Heads of Academic Radiology and the MedicalImaging Industry. 2000.41Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. Supply and Demand Study of Utilizationof Medical Radiation Technologists in Canada. September 2006.42Canadian Institute for Health Information. Medical imaging in Canada, 2007. Ottawa. 2008.432006 Annual Report of the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario: 3.06 Hospitals – Managementand Use of Diagnostic Imaging Equipment; Glaves, J. The Use of Radiological Guidelines to achievea sustained reduction in the number of radiographic examinations of the cervical spine, lumbarspine and knees performed for GPs. Clinical Radiology. Vol 60:914-920. 2005.44Picano, E. Sustainability of medical imaging: doctors and patients should be more aware of thelong term risks of radiological investigations. British Medical Journal. Vol 328:578-580. 2004.HPRAC Critical Links January 2009