Public health radiography: A scoping review of benefits, and growth opportunities for radiographers

Abstract

Introduction: There is growing adoption of radiographic techniques in public health to improve outcomes of chronic and communicable diseases. This review examines the applications, benefits, and implications of radiography in public health. It also examines the challenges and potential advanced practice roles for radiographers in public health radiography (PHR).

Methodology: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - Scoping review extension (PRISMA- ScR) checklist was employed, and the search was conducted using PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to identify relevant articles that explored the concept of radiography in public health. Evidence was analysed using an inductive iterative approach.

Results: Radiographic imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and plain X-ray had wide applicability in public health fields of preventive cardiology, preventive oncology, maternal health, infectious disease epidemiology, and radiographic informatics. PHR effectively reduced mortality, improved outcomes, informed lifestyle changes to mitigate the risk of impending disease. PHR also helped in monitoring disease progression and predicting treatment outcomes. However, evidence establishing a competency framework that supports PHR is scarce.

Conclusion: Radiography makes a significant contribution to public health in reducing mortality and morbidity. Therefore, developing a PHR competency framework can accentuate the contribution Radiographers make to solving public health issues.