A postgraduate qualification in the specialisation fields of diagnostic radiography: A needs assessment

Introduction. Current education and training in radiography in South Africa does not address the need for training in the specialisation fields of diagnostic radiography sufficiently. Methods. To address this problem, a needs assessment was conducted by means of quantitative questionnaires, qualitative interviews and a focus group discussion. The main aim of the needs assessment was to determine the need for a postgraduate qualification in the specialised fields of radiography. The possible structure of such a programme and the preferred mode of delivery were also investigated. Results. The results of the study emphasise the need for structured postgraduate programmes in the different specialisation fields of diagnostic radiography. Conclusion. Responding to this validated need for postgraduate qualifications in the specialisation fields in the profession, recommendations are made towards the development of such postgraduate programmes in the higher education framework in South Africa, promulgated in 2007.