EVALUATION OF THE ATTITUDE OF RADIOGRAPHERS TOWARDS GERIATRIC PATIENTS IN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF HEALTH IBADAN(UCH)

EVALUATION OF THE ATTITUDE OF RADIOGRAPHERS TOWARDS GERIATRIC PATIENTS IN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF HEALTH IBADAN(UCH)

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Background of the study

The provision of healthcare services to the geriatric population presents unique challenges and opportunities for healthcare professionals worldwide. As the global population continues to age, the demand for medical imaging services, including radiography, among older adults rises concomitantly. In this context, the attitudes of radiographers towards geriatric patients play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of care provided to this demographic. Understanding and evaluating these attitudes are essential for optimizing patient experiences, ensuring patient-centered care, and promoting positive health outcomes among elderly individuals undergoing radiographic procedures. In this research, several fundamental concepts and variables need clarification to delineate the scope and focus of the study. Firstly, the term "attitude" refers to the evaluative stance or predisposition that individuals hold towards specific objects, persons, or groups, influencing their behavior and interactions in various contexts (Eagly & Chaiken, 1993). Specifically, in the context of healthcare, attitude encompasses healthcare professionals' thoughts, emotions, and behavioral tendencies towards geriatric patients. Secondly, "radiographers" are integral members of the healthcare team responsible for performing diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. Their role involves not only technical proficiency in operating imaging equipment but also effective communication and patient interaction skills (Health Professions Council, 2013). Lastly, "geriatric patients" refer to individuals aged 65 years and older who require healthcare services tailored to their unique physiological, psychological, and social needs associated with aging (World Health Organization, 2021). Geriatric patients often present with comorbidities, sensory impairments, and cognitive challenges, necessitating specialized care approaches. The relationship between the attitude of radiographers towards geriatric patients and the quality of care received by this demographic is central to this research. Attitudes significantly influence healthcare professionals' interactions with patients, affecting communication, empathy, and patient satisfaction (Ajzen, 2001). Positive attitudes towards geriatric patients are associated with higher levels of patient-centered care, adherence to clinical protocols, and better health outcomes (Hall et al., 2013). Conversely, negative attitudes may lead to suboptimal care delivery, increased patient anxiety, and decreased treatment compliance among geriatric patients (Bridges et al., 2019). Several factors contribute to the formation and expression of attitudes among radiographers towards geriatric patients. For radiographers, factors such as age, experience, training, and work environment influence their perceptions and interactions with geriatric patients (Tran et al., 2019). Additionally, organizational culture, workload, and institutional support systems play significant roles in shaping radiographers' attitudes towards patient care (Patterson et al., 2018). In the case of geriatric patients, factors such as physical frailty, cognitive impairment, communication barriers, and past healthcare experiences influence their interactions with radiographers (Hanlon et al., 2018). Moreover, societal attitudes towards aging and stereotypes associated with older adults may exacerbate negative interactions between radiographers and geriatric patients (Liu & Wu, 2012). Given the growing importance of geriatric patient care within healthcare settings, understanding the attitudes of radiographers towards this demographic is imperative for optimizing the quality of care provided. By elucidating the relationship between radiographers' attitudes and the care experiences of geriatric patients, this research aims to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted interventions to promote positive patient outcomes and enhance patient-centered care at University College of Health Ibadan (UCH).

 

1.2 Statement of the problem

Despite the increasing significance of geriatric patient care within healthcare settings, there exists a gap in understanding the attitudes of radiographers towards this demographic at University College of Health Ibadan (UCH). As the elderly population continues to grow, ensuring positive interactions and quality care for geriatric patients undergoing radiographic procedures becomes paramount. However, the specific attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors of radiographers towards geriatric patients remain understudied within the context of UCH. This lack of insight hampers efforts to optimize patient experiences, potentially leading to suboptimal care delivery and diminished overall quality of healthcare services provided to elderly individuals. Therefore, there is a pressing need to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the attitudes of radiographers towards geriatric patients at UCH, identifying potential challenges, areas for improvement, and strategies to enhance the care experience for this vulnerable population.

1.3 Objective of the study

1. To assess the overall attitude of radiographers towards geriatric patients at the University College of Health Ibadan (UCH).

2. To identify factors influencing the attitudes of radiographers towards geriatric patients in UCH.

3. To analyze the correlation between the attitude of radiographers towards geriatric patients and the quality of care received by this demographic group.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the prevailing attitude of radiographers towards geriatric patients in the University College of Health Ibadan (UCH)?

2. What are the primary factors that influence the attitudes of radiographers towards geriatric patients in UCH?

3. Is there a significant correlation between the attitude of radiographers towards geriatric patients and the quality of care received by this demographic group in UCH?

1.5 Research hypotheses

Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant correlation between the attitude of radiographers towards geriatric patients and the quality of care received by this demographic group in UCH.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a significant correlation between the attitude of radiographers towards geriatric patients and the quality of care received by this demographic group in UCH.

1.6 Significance of the study

1. Improving Geriatric Patient Care: Understanding the attitude of radiographers towards geriatric patients can lead to improvements in the quality of care provided to this vulnerable demographic. By identifying any negative attitudes or areas for improvement, interventions can be developed to enhance communication, empathy, and overall patient experience during radiographic procedures. This can contribute to better health outcomes and satisfaction among geriatric patients receiving care at University College of Health Ibadan (UCH).

2. Enhancing Healthcare Training Programs: Research on the attitude of radiographers towards geriatric patients can inform the development of training programs within UCH and similar healthcare institutions. By pinpointing gaps in education or areas where additional training is needed, curricula can be adjusted to better prepare radiographers to interact with and care for geriatric patients effectively. This can ultimately lead to a more competent and compassionate healthcare workforce equipped to meet the needs of an aging population.

3. Informing Policy and Practice: Findings from this research can inform policy decisions and organizational practices aimed at improving the overall experience of geriatric patients within UCH. By recognizing the importance of addressing attitudes towards geriatric patients among radiographers, institutional policies can be developed or revised to prioritize patient-centered care for older adults. This can include initiatives such as staff training, patient advocacy programs, and the implementation of age-friendly healthcare practices, ultimately fostering a more supportive and respectful environment for geriatric patients within the institution.

1.7 Scope of the study

This study focuses to assess the overall attitude of radiographers towards geriatric patients at the University College of Health Ibadan (UCH), identify factors influencing the attitudes of radiographers towards geriatric patients in UCH, and analyze the correlation between the attitude of radiographers towards geriatric patients and the quality of care received by this demographic group. Hence radiographers at the University College of Health Ibadan (UCH) shall serve as enrolled participants for this study.

1.8 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.9 Definition of terms

Attitude: In the context of this research, attitude refers to the overall disposition, feelings, and beliefs held by radiographers at University College of Health Ibadan (UCH) towards geriatric patients. This encompasses their thoughts, emotions, and behavioral tendencies when interacting with and providing care to elderly individuals undergoing radiographic procedures.

Radiographers: Radiographers are healthcare professionals responsible for performing diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans. In this study, radiographers specifically refer to those employed at University College of Health Ibadan (UCH) who are involved in the care and management of geriatric patients.

Geriatric Patients: Geriatric patients are individuals who belong to the elderly population, typically aged 65 years and older. In this research, geriatric patients specifically pertain to those receiving radiographic services at University College of Health Ibadan (UCH). This encompasses understanding their unique physical, psychological, and social needs associated with aging.

Evaluation: Evaluation involves the systematic assessment and analysis of the attitudes of radiographers towards geriatric patients at UCH. This encompasses gathering data, examining factors influencing attitudes, and drawing conclusions regarding the overall disposition of radiographers towards elderly patients undergoing radiographic procedures.

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