Exploring the experiences of diagnostic radiographers in trauma radiography in Zambia: Insights from a low-resource setting.

INTRODUCTION

Trauma is a major global cause of morbidity and mortality, with general radiography serving as the first-line diagnostic tool in emergency care. In Zambia, trauma accounts for approximately 20% of premature deaths, largely from road traffic accidents, falls, and assaults, with Lusaka Province reporting the highest incidence. Radiographers are essential in trauma care; however, their experiences in low-resource settings remain underexplored. This study explored diagnostic radiographers' experiences of trauma radiography at a Zambian teaching hospital.

METHODS

Following ethical approval, a qualitative descriptive design was employed to explore the experiences of seven purposively sampled diagnostic radiographers at a major teaching hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analysed iteratively using Leavy's five-step qualitative analysis framework. Trustworthiness was ensured through prolonged engagement, audit trails, member checking, and thick description.

RESULTS

Five themes were developed: (1) professional contribution to trauma diagnosis and care, (2) collaborative practice and communication in trauma radiography, (3) operational and technical constraints in trauma radiography, (4) emotional adaptation and coping in trauma radiography, and (5) opportunities for improving trauma radiography services. Participants highlighted their critical role in trauma diagnosis despite significant equipment limitations, including restricted horizontal beam imaging, demonstrating teamwork, adaptability, and resilience while emphasising the need for improved imaging resources.

CONCLUSION

Zambian radiographers are essential to trauma care, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and collaborative practice despite significant equipment limitations and operational challenges in trauma imaging.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Enhancing trauma radiography in low-resource settings requires investment in dedicated imaging equipment and accessories, strengthening interprofessional collaboration, and implementing structured support mechanisms to safeguard radiographers' well-being and optimise patient care outcomes.