From classroom to clinical practice: Education, training and preparedness for imaging people from prison in diagnostic radiography

Emery, C.V. and Lawal, Olanrewju and Brooke, Joanne (2026) From classroom to clinical practice: Education, training and preparedness for imaging people from prison in diagnostic radiography. Radiography, 32 (8). p. 103603. ISSN 1078-8174

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Abstract

Introduction
Diagnostic radiographers perform examinations to support care for people from prison in acute hospitals, yet it remains unclear whether diagnostic radiography education in the UK adequately prepares students and practising radiographers to support this population. This study examined current education and provision of training, perceived preparedness and educational needs among diagnostic radiography students, HEI educators and practising diagnostic radiographers in the UK.
Methods
This exploratory cross-sectional study used an online structured questionnaire completed by diagnostic radiography students, practising diagnostic radiographers and higher education educators in the UK. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. An inductive qualitative content analysis was completed for the open-ended responses, and categories were compared across participant groups to identify convergence and divergence.
Results
Forty participants completed the questionnaire: 11 students, 8 educators and 21 practising diagnostic radiographers. Only two practising radiographers reported receiving relevant training during their radiography education. No student reported receiving specific programme education, although one received relevant information during clinical placement and no educator reported relevant curriculum content. Further education was supported by nine students, seven educators and 16 practising radiographers. Fifteen practising radiographers reported that their departments lacked relevant policies. Four overarching categories concerned safety and procedural knowledge; communication and psychosocial care; confidence and preparedness; and integrated education and specific organisational guidance.
Conclusion
Education and training provision was limited across all three groups, while organisational guidance varied. Participants identified safety and procedural knowledge and communication and psychosocial care as educational priorities, with confidence, preparedness and equitable care as intended outcomes.
Implication for practice
Proportionately integrating relevant content through academic teaching, simulation and supervised clinical learning, alongside CPD and departmental guidance, may strengthen safe, equitable and consistent imaging for people from prison.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1016/j.radi.2026.103603
Dates:	Date Event 6 October 2026 Accepted 18 October 2026 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Prison health, Diagnostic radiography, People from prison, Inclusion health, Education and training
Subjects:	CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-04 - nursing and midwifery > CAH02-04-02 - adult nursing CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-05 - medical sciences > CAH02-05-01 - medical technology CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-06 - allied health > CAH02-06-01 - health sciences (non-specific)
Divisions:	Life and Health Sciences > Health and Social Care Professions > Health Care Nursing and Midwifery > Adult Nursing
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	23 Oct 2026 10:57
Last Modified:	23 Oct 2026 10:57
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/17283

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