Radiography science as a discipline : A framework towards a paradigm

Abstract

The beginning of radiography can be dated to the discovery of X-Rays in 1895. Radiography science as a discipline has more recent history, spanning approximately three decades. The starting point of this study is the fact that there does not seem to be a predominant international paradigm for this discipline.

The aim of this study was to explore radiography science as a discipline and to propose a framework for a paradigm. In Phase I, a scoping review was conducted to discover the phenomena radiography science investigates; this involved a Delphi study for the identification of research priorities within the discipline being performed. In Phase II, the core concepts and their interrelationships, and epistemic interests and nature of knowledge were explored with a document analysis. In Phase III, the data collected was synthesized using Kuhn's disciplinary matrix. The scoping review in the first stage discovered 14 relevant studies of the topic and in the two round Delphi study surveys were used to gather opinions from a panel of radiography experts (n=24, first round/n=20, second round). In Phase II the data consisted of 53 dissertations from the field of radiography science. In Phase III, no new data was collected.

The results of the study indicate that the phenomena radiography science investigates are the profession of radiographers, clinical practices, safe and high-quality use of radiation, technology, management and leadership as well as radiography as a discipline. Of these, the first four were identified as prioritized areas of research and core concepts of the discipline. (Phase I.) The statements indicating the interrelationships between core concepts demonstrated bilateral dependencies. Radiography science generates different types of knowledge for different epistemic interests with varying methodologies. (Phase II.) The framework for the paradigm was composed of shared values, symbolic generalizations, shared exemplars and metaphysical presumptions. Radiography science investigates humane, safe and high-quality radiography services mediated by technology in the health care environment for the well-being of individuals. (Phase III.)

In conclusion, radiography science is pluralistic in its ontological, epistemological and methodological choices and can be called a pragmatic discipline. Radiography science contributes to inquiries on health phenomena.