A national survey of radiographer and assistant practitioner's experiences of incidents, investigation processes and safety culture.

INTRODUCTION: To date, no surveys have been conducted to engage with UK radiographers and assistant practitioners (AP) to explore their experience of safety culture within Radiology departments in the UK. The aim of the project is to assess qualified radiographer's and AP's perceptions and experiences of safety culture in clinical practice. METHODS: Online survey consisting of 26 questions was conducted with diagnostic radiographers and APs working in radiology departments within the UK over an 8-week period. The survey was distributed through social media platforms facebook, Linked In and Twitter (now called X). Thematic analysis was conducted using an iterative process. RESULTS: Thematic Analysis revealed 3 key themes of type of incidents, contributing factors and impact of incident and 8 subthemes. There was no statistically significant correlation between job role and incident involvement. There was a moderate negative correlation between years of experience and incident involvement that was statistically significant. Responses emphases the requirement for better management of incidents and the effective dissemination of lessons learner in an accessible manner. CONCLUSION: Radiographers are competent and confident with reporting incidents but there are inconsistencies in effective dissemination of feedback. Suggestions to improve safety culture include involving radiographers within investigation processes and ensuring radiographers are involved in re-writing policies/systems of work. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The key areas for improvement include feedback following incidents, dissemination of learning and strategies to positively impact safety culture to a more honest and open culture.