The Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) has highlighted research that found online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic left many radiography and radiation therapy students unready to enter the workforce.
A survey of 55 clinical educators was conducted, with respondents reporting that students missed out on clinical time, patient interaction, and exposure to a variety of clinical experiences.
“These are grim findings, given Australia is already facing shortages in both the radiography and radiation therapy fields,” ASMIRT said, in a news release. The study was published on 13 January in the Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences.
The key findings include the following:
- 84% of clinical educators said students had insufficient opportunities to gain hands-on experience.
- 70% said virtual training was not enough to prepare students for placement.
- 74% said graduating students would need extra support when starting work.
- 44% said clinical sites weren’t failing students who did not meet necessary standards.
Carolyn Heyes, president of ASMIRT, noted that the knock-on effect of missed clinical placement experience during pandemics can be felt for years to come.
“Placements are vital in giving medical radiation students the hands-on experience they need. The healthcare training system as a whole needs to invest in tailored upskilling for graduates and supported workplace orientation programs as pandemic conditions lift,” she said.
