title: The opinions of radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists and radiation therapists regarding technology in health care: a qualitative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  New technology is continuously introduced in health care. The aim of this study was (1) to collect the opinions and experiences of radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists and radiation therapists regarding the technology they use in their profession and (2) to acquire their views regarding the role of technology in their future practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were recruited from five departments in five hospitals in The Netherlands. All radiographers, nuclear medicine therapists and radiation therapists who were working in these departments were invited to participate (n = 252). The following topics were discussed: technology in daily work, training in using technology and the role of technology in future practice. The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using open and axial coding.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 52 participants (57.7% radiographer) were included, 19 men and 33 women (age range: 20-63). Four major themes emerged: (1) technology as an indispensable factor, (2) engagement, support and training in using technology, (3) transitions in work and (4) the radiographer of the future. All participants not only value technological developments to perform their occupations, but also aspects such as documentation and physical support. When asked about the future of their profession, contradictory answers were provided; while some expect less autonomy, others belief they will get more autonomy in their work.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Technology plays a major role in all three occupations. All participants believe that technology should be in the best interests of patients. Being involved in the implementation of new technology is of utmost importance; courses and training, facilitated by the managers of the departments, should play a major role. Only when a constant dialogue exists between health care professionals and their managers, in which they discuss their experiences, needs and expectations, technology can be implemented in a safe and effective manner. This, in turn, might positively influence quality of care.
authors.affiliation: Fontys University of Applied Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, Chair of Health, Innovations & Technology (HIT), Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Sil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aarts
authors.affiliation: Fontys University of Applied Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, Chair of Health, Innovations & Technology (HIT), Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Forra
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cornelis
authors.affiliation: Fontys University of Applied Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, Chair of Health, Innovations & Technology (HIT), Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Yke
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zevenboom
authors.affiliation: Fontys University of Applied Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, Chair of Health, Innovations & Technology (HIT), Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brokken
authors.affiliation: Fontys University of Applied Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, Chair of Health, Innovations & Technology (HIT), Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: van de Griend
authors.affiliation: Fontys University of Applied Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, Chair of Health, Innovations & Technology (HIT), Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Spoorenberg
authors.affiliation: Fontys University of Applied Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, Chair of Health, Innovations & Technology (HIT), Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ten Bokum
authors.affiliation: Fontys University of Applied Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, Chair of Health, Innovations & Technology (HIT), Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Eveline
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wouters
mesh_terms: D020811:Biomedical Technology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009683:Nuclear Medicine / Q000193:education; D011859:Radiography; D011878:Radiotherapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Assistive technology; health care professionals; health care technology; nuclear medicine technologists; radiation therapists; radiographers; technology