Vetting of medical imaging referrals: A scoping review of the radiographers’ role.

Abstract

Introduction: Vetting and treatment verification, are now an expectation of threshold radiography competencies at qualification. Radiographer-led vetting contributes to the expedition of patients’ treatment and management. However, the current state and the role of the radiographer in vetting medical imaging referrals remains unclear. This review aims to explore the current state and associated challenges to a radiographer-led vetting and offer directions for future research by addressing knowledge gaps. Method: The Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework was employed for this review. This in- cludes a comprehensive search using key terms relating to radiographer-led vetting across relevant databases: Medline, PubMed, AMED and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Articles were screened for eligibility and information extracted and analysed descriptively to map the available evidence. Results: 1149 studies were identified with 12 articles included for this review after duplicates were removed. The findings indicate existence of some radiographer-led vetting activities in practice; how- ever, the scope of this practice is associated with a large variance across settings. Key challenges relating to radiographer-led vetting include referral selectivity, medical professional dominance, and lack of clinical indication on referrals. Conclusion: Radiographers vet various categories of referrals depending on jurisdictional policies and more clarity in regulation, advanced practice training and change in workplace culture is needed to support radiographer-led vetting. Implication for practice: Radiographer-led vetting should be championed across settings through formalised training to widen the scope of advance practice and career progression pathways for radiographers as a means of ensuring optimal use of resources.