Researchers from UCOL Manawatū are preparing to share their first-of-its-kind project at the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) conference next month.
Aimed at addressing inconsistencies in how medical imaging ākonga (students) are assessed, the research has been conducted by Medical Imaging Technology Lecturer Amy Robertson and Clinical Coordinator Ellen Dickson.
"In clinical placements across the North Island, our providers generally interpret competency criteria similarly, but sometimes, there are differences in assessment practices. Collaboratively, with clinical staff, we've developed a model to ensure consistent assessment practices, regardless of location, enhancing the ability of assessors to apply the same criteria for all ākonga." explains Robertson.
"From that mahi (work), we've created a model which enhances the ability for our ākonga to be assessed on their skills fairly and consistently - no matter which clinic they're working in."
When some inconsistencies were initially identified, Robertson and the team looked to other research for advice.
"Radiographers and radiation therapists don't tend to do a lot of research that isn't around patient care, so we found very little around ākonga competency based assessments in healthcare. Ellen and I thought, 'How do we go about changing that?'"
The research, Robertson says, will help in the practical steps as we prepare ākonga for the job market.
"We have graduates who go on to work overseas, so it's important we are also setting them up for success. We want to make sure they're able to work to the global standards, not just the New Zealand standards, otherwise you're limiting their possibilities."
Robertson says she's looking forward to representing New Zealand in Darwin.
"It'll be great to gain an international perspective on how others teach, while showing the hard mahi we're doing here for our industry."
The Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) Colours of Country Conference will take place between 9th and 12th May 2024.
Find out more about the Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology) proramme at UCOL Manawatū.