Roles of diagnostic radiographers in child protection from physical abuse: A narrative review of non-policies, policies and legislation in Zambia.

INTRODUCTION

Recognition and diagnosis of child physical abuse (CPA) have become an essential foundation for child protection globally. Failure to recognise, diagnose and intervene in CPA cases may lead to significant physical, psychological, and economic consequences. In Zambia, despite the enactment of child protection legislation, the specific roles of diagnostic radiographers in the child protection pathway remain inadequately defined. Therefore, this review aimed to examine the roles of diagnostic radiographers in child protection related to physical abuse in Zambia and to identify existing gaps by comparing local with international practices.

METHODS

A qualitative document analysis was conducted using the Readying, Extracting, Analysing, and Distilling (READ) approach to review national policies, non-policies, legislation, and professional frameworks relevant to child protection in Zambia, published between 1991 and August 2025. Documents were retrieved from government websites, professional regulatory bodies and organisations, and academic institutions between July and August 2025. Key data from the eligible documents were extracted using a standardised data extraction form and subsequently subjected to thematic framework analysis.

RESULTS

Eleven documents met the inclusion criteria. Four key roles of radiographers in child protection were identified: (1) providing high-quality radiographic images; (2) recognising and documenting clinical signs while maintaining accurate health records; (3) reporting suspected cases of CPA to relevant authorities such as the police or the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services; and (4) acting professionally in the management of suspected CPA cases. The narrative review also identified a few gaps relative to international practice, including the absence of national imaging guidelines for CPA, limited integration of child protection content into radiography curricula, and a lack of clearly defined roles and a formal reporting framework.

CONCLUSION

In Zambia, radiographers are strategically positioned to contribute to the early detection and reporting of cases of CPA. Strengthening their role requires enhancements to the radiography curriculum, the development of CPA imaging and reporting guidelines, and clearly defined roles. The implementation of these recommendations can enhance radiographers' participation in CPA and promote effective child protection practices.