Expectations of therapeutic radiography students in Wales about transitioning to practice during the Covid-19 pandemic as registrants on the HCPC temporary register

Abstract

Introduction: The Covid-19 crisis continues to profoundly impact on radiotherapy practice in the UK. We explore the views of therapeutic radiographer students on entering their first post in unique circumstances as a means to evaluate the support that may minimise negative impacts on their transition to practitioners.

Method: Focus groups were conducted outside of students' final year educational programme and immediately prior to them starting work. Qualitative data were analysed using a framework analysis.

Results: Emergent themes from the eleven participants were: Covid-19 as a layer on top of underlying anxieties; Degree of readiness for imminent psychological, emotional and practical challenges; Feeling valued as a health professional/radiographer at this time; A mixed student and qualified staff professional identity as HCPC temporary registrants.

Conclusion: Uncertainties related to Covid-19 were seen to add a destabilising component to existing anxieties and challenges. In this context, there are significant risks of impaired professional socialisation due to incongruence between students' expectations and the reality in clinical departments.

Implications for practice: Informed academic support and flexible clinical preceptorship that address anxieties and congruence barriers are vital to guide new practitioners through a health crisis that presents significant challenges but also opportunity for professional development.

Keywords: Congruence; Covid-19; Newly qualified; Preceptorship; Radiographer.