Qualitative content analysis of image interpretation education in UK pre-registration diagnostic radiography programmes

Image interpretation is a required capability for all UK pre-registration programmes in diagnostic radiography to meet the needs of graduate practice. It also provides a potential educational foundation for future advanced clinical practice. The aim of this study was to explore how image interpretation education is designed, delivered, and assessed within contemporary UK pre-registration diagnostic radiography programmes. Qualitative content analysis of open-source image interpretation curriculum data extracted from UK Higher Education Institute (HEI) websites. Extracted search data was initially coded and three overarching themes emerged, image interpretation education vision, operationalisation, and delivery and assessment. This study identified significant heterogeneity in all aspects of UK pre-registration image interpretation education which may suggest an equal heterogeneity can be expected in the image interpretation knowledge, skill, confidence between newly registered practitioners. There may be a need for clearer expectations on HEIs by professional and regulatory bodies to ensure consistency in pre-registration image interpretation education.