A sequential mixed-methods design for role extension research in radiography: Methodological Insights from a framework development study in Ghana.

Radiographer role extension into image interpretation has gained global attention, particularly in low-resource settings where radiologist shortages hinder timely diagnosis. However, limited methodological guidance exists to support the design of complex, context-specific implementation research in...

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Publicado en:Radiography Vol. 32; no. 3
Autores principales: Ofori-Manteaw, B., Dzefi-Tettey, K., Ofori, E.K.
Formato: research Journal Article
Publicado: W B Saunders Apr2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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        10.1016/j.radi.2026.103366
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        atl: A sequential mixed-methods design for role extension research in radiography: Methodological Insights from a framework development study in Ghana.
      aug:
        au:
          Ofori-Manteaw, B.
          Dzefi-Tettey, K.
          Ofori, E.K.
        affil: Medical Radiation Science Discipline, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia
      sug:
        subj:
          Radiologic Technologists Ghana
          Professional Role
          Study Design
          Radiography
          Professional Competence Evaluation
          Human
          Multimethod Studies
          Ghana
          Interviews
          Questionnaires
          Document Analysis
          Delphi Technique
          Workforce
          Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
      ab: Radiographer role extension into image interpretation has gained global attention, particularly in low-resource settings where radiologist shortages hinder timely diagnosis. However, limited methodological guidance exists to support the design of complex, context-specific implementation research in this area. This paper outlines and reflects on a four-phase sequential mixed methods design employed to develop and validate a framework for Preliminary Image Evaluation (PIE) by radiographers in Ghana. This methodological paper presents a reflective account of the design decisions and integration strategies that guided a multi-phase mixed methods study on radiographer role extension. Rather than reporting new empirical data, the focus is on the philosophical positioning, analytical choices, and integration logic that shaped the study. Key methods included qualitative interviews, a validated online survey, performance-based image interpretation tests, curriculum document analysis, and a Delphi consensus process. Sequential integration of qualitative, quantitative, documentary, and performance-based data generated meta-inferences that supported cumulative knowledge building and iterative refinement of research tools. The design enabled alignment across data strands, enhanced interpretive trustworthiness, and culminated in a validated PIE framework tailored to resource-constrained environments. Stakeholder engagement throughout the process reinforced contextual relevance and legitimacy. This study demonstrates the methodological strength and contextual value of methodological diversity and purposeful method integration in addressing complex workforce issues. It shows how mixed methods designs can move beyond isolated findings to inform sustainable education reform, workforce development, and policy alignment in radiography. This work offers a methodological model that can guide educators, researchers, and policymakers in designing contextually responsive workforce research. By showcasing how integrated mixed methods can generate policy-relevant and actionable insights, it supports the development of strategic approaches to radiographer role extension.
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    language: English
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