Embracing diversity in radiography: The role of service users

Abstract

This article outlines the importance of cultural competence for student radiographers. The UK population is becoming more diverse in terms of ethnicity, the population is also made up of a much wider age range, varying genders and people of different sexual orientation, physical abilities and faiths. Radiographers need to be able to communicate with and care for people of all backgrounds. Radiographers need to be able to build relationships with service users based on mutual respect to provide optimum care despite personal differences. In order to prepare for this, service user involvement in the radiography curriculum is key. This article discussed the way in which service users are involved at one university. All of the strategies used enable students to learn about the different people that they will encounter in their professional role and to develop cultural competence. It is vitally important that student radiographers feel comfortable to interact with and care for service users from different backgrounds and cultures and to be able to demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the range of issues and individual needs of every service user they may encounter in their professional role.

Keywords: Curriculum; Diversity; Service users.