Exploring local radiographers' knowledge, practices and attitudes in delivering healthcare to paediatric patients diagnosed with ASD

Abstract

Purpose: This research aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices surrounding healthcare delivery and imaging in paediatric patients diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). By delving into these aspects, the study seeks to enhance the understanding as well as to further optimise care tailored for the unique needs of this demographic group. Objectives: This research aims to assess local radiographers' practices, knowledge, and attitudes toward caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It seeks to identify potential correlations between demographic factors and radiographers' approaches, aiming to enhance care provision for ASD children undergoing imaging procedures. Methodology: For this research a prospective, cross-sectional, and quantitative research design was adopted. 86 questionnaires were collected over a period of four weeks, from a population of 175 radiographers. The duration taken for the data to be collected was 4 weeks. The data collection tool used for this study adapted all of the questions from a similar study followed by a few amendments. The CVI (content-validity index) was 0.986 and 0.951 respectively which was deemed acceptable. Results: The results of the study exhibited that there is a knowledge gap between male and female radiographers. Specifically, 90.7% of female radiographers believe that impairments in social interaction are typical of ASD, compared to 73.3% of male radiographers. It is noted that radiographers across all of the age groups have a relative consensus that ASD is characterised by social interaction impairment particularly 100% agreement in the 21-25 year and 31-40 year age groups. There is also a noted trend between knowledge and years of experience. There was direct correlation between the increased years of experience and increase in knowledge. Regarding the attitudes of radiographers, confidence scores were low in age groups 21-25, 26-30, and 31-40 (2.67, 2.82, and 2.84, respectively), indicating a lack of confidence with ASD children. However, confidence rose in the 41-50 age group, with a mean score of 3.58. There was minimal gender variation between the male and female radiographers having a neutral – positive sentiment. As for practices, males and females exhibited minimal differences. There was no significant difference in the general practices of radiographers across all age groups , however there was a positive sentiment towards ASD children in the category of 6-10 years of experience. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is a need for radiographers to be more oriented with the provision of healthcare to paediatrics with ASD. Radiographers across all of the different demographic groups acknowledge the need for special care when working with ASD patients. Radiographers need greater orientation in providing healthcare to paediatric patients with ASD. This can be achieved through enhanced Continuous Professional Development (CPD), including more targeted talks.