Radiographers' Experiences of Clinical Handover in Diagnostic Imaging: A Qualitative Study of Communication, Safety, and Organizational Influences.

BACKGROUND

Handover in diagnostic medical imaging (DMI) is a critical process involving the transfer of professional responsibility, clinical information, and patient accountability between healthcare practitioners, supported by the communication practices that enable this information exchange. Although handover is widely recognized as essential to patient safety in broader healthcare, the specific experiences and perspectives of radiographers within DMI encounters remain insufficiently explored. This study examined how radiographers understand, practice, and perceive handovers, and how these processes influence continuity of care, patient safety, and quality-of-service delivery.

METHODS

A qualitative exploratory design was employed, underpinned by an interpretivist paradigm. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with diagnostic radiographers working in Australian public hospitals. Participants were purposively sampled to capture varied experience levels and modality specializations. Interviews were digitally audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymized, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Eight overarching themes were identified: (1) handover as a critical safety mechanism in DMI, (2) communication quality determines handover effectiveness, (3) poor or absent handover creates risk, delay, and inefficiency, (4) contextual variation in handover practices across settings, (5) interpersonal and cultural dynamics shape handover quality, (6) organizational structures and workflow pressures constrain handover, (7) cross-disciplinary handover in acute and high-acuity settings, and (8) strategies to improve handover. Participants described handover as essential for safe imaging and workflow continuity, yet inconsistently practiced, with no standardized protocols across DMI departments. Radiographers reported missing or inaccurate clinical information, exclusion from multidisciplinary briefings, and organizational barriers such as staffing pressures and lack of shift overlap.

CONCLUSION

Radiographers identified substantial variability and gaps in handover practices that may compromise patient safety and service quality. The findings highlight the need for standardized, profession-specific handover frameworks, interprofessional education, and organizational commitment to structured communication within DMI workflows.