Radiographers' decision-making processes in the movement of pain-afflicted adult trauma patients in planar diagnostic imaging

Introduction: The need to balance pain management and radiographic image quality is at the forefront of patient care in diagnostic radiography. This study aimed to identify the decision-making that radiographers employ when undertaking planar diagnostic imaging for pain-afflicted adult trauma patients and the factors that influence these decisions. Methods: A virtual focus group interview was undertaken with six experienced Australian radiographers using a realistic scenario and questions based on it. Thematic analysis was employed to explore how radiographers approached planar diagnostic imaging of trauma patients and what influenced decisions regarding patient movement. Results: Five key factors in radiographers' decision-making were identified: assistance from the multidisciplinary team, understanding the patient, pain reduction methods, the patient being informed and radiographer competence. Radiographers were found to further utilise professional knowledge of image interpretation and anatomy and physiology, in conjunction with interpersonal capabilities, to undertake radiographic examinations. Conclusion: The decision-making process that informs the movement of pain-afflicted adult trauma patients is multifactorial, aligning with the broad healthcare principles of multidisciplinary teamwork, holistic management of the patient and professional knowledge and practice. Further research is needed to explore correlations with different patient groups to validate this research.