[en] Skill-mix initiatives have provided opportunities for radiographers to develop roles and achieve their potential, thus contributing to radiographer retention rates and increased job satisfaction. This reflective article explores two radiographic roles within an interprofessional context including the implications for confidence, competence, and future sustainability. These were reporting roles which extended into two modalities, one into bone densitometry and another into ultrasound. This article discusses how successful skill mix can benefit the individual, their department, and NHS organization and that role expansion can develop a more dynamic and resourceful workforce with transferability of skills and attributes

[en] Aim: To explore the experience of the first consultant practitioners appointed; including the appointment process, nature of the role, their perceptions of success and challenges. Method: This was a whole population study of the known consultant radiographers appointed up to March 2005. It consisted of 3 phases. The first compared appointees job descriptions with the Department of Health guidance, the second collected contextual information using a questionnaire, and the third explored postholders experiences using telephone interviews. Results: Ten of the possible twelve appointees participated. All posts were established according to the guidelines, with largely similar job descriptions allowing for the different clinical specialist areas. All were very positive in their perceptions of their role, and faced similar challenges. They were strongest in their expert clinical practice working but had strong training and leadership roles. The number working at strategic level was low with limited research and few published papers, although there were notable exceptions. Conclusions: The first appointees demonstrated notable successes, strongest in the expert clinical practice element of roles, with evidence of team leadership, and involvement in training and education. Strategic engagement was disappointing, with little research being undertaken. Their experience was that the nature of consultancy was poorly understood by peers and medical colleagues.

[en] Aim: The aim of this research is to examine the profile of first generation consultant radiographers: their demographics, educational backgrounds, qualifications and training, career experience and progression, teaching, lecturing and research activities. Method: Participant recruitment was drawn from the Society and College of Radiographers consultant radiographer group. Data collection involved a self-administered paper based and web based questionnaire. Results: Participant response rate of 55% (n = 11). Conclusions: The profile of the first consultant radiographer cohort reflects a diverse and eclectic mix. While some aspects of their development such as educational background, clinical training and skills enhancement are comparable to nurse consultants, clinical experience and employment history show some differences. Commitment to development of expert clinical skills is evident within the profile of the first generation cohort of consultant radiographers however research and leadership training are not strong features.

No abstract available

[en] This article will specifically deal with preparing for consultant interviews in clinical radiology by providing a list of carefully selected resources comprising of training courses and internet sites available for trainee radiologists nearing the end of their training. It will also be of use to established consultant radiologists seeking a new post, those applying for consultant positions in other specialties, and doctors applying for more junior positions in radiology. Hyperlinks are available in the electronic version of this article.

[en] Purpose: The purpose of this discussion paper is to explore issues related to advanced practice for therapy radiographers. Key themes: The paper will focus on key themes that have impacted on advanced practice for therapy radiographers such as government initiatives and policy, confounding terminology associated with advanced practice such as role extension, role expansion, role development, and expert practice. The theory and development of expert practice is explored and paralleled to existing roles in therapy using the Benner model to define stages of professional development and competence. Evidence for advanced practice, and education and training will also be explored. All of these issues will be considered within the perspective of the current clinical and political environment that therapy radiographers operate in. Conclusions: The application of advanced practice can and should incorporate elements of role extension and role development, with some tangible skills ladder to guide and shape the development of potential consultant practitioners. There is a need to identify the current position of advanced practice nationally, and to monitor existing and emerging roles, possibly though a longitudinal study. The skill mix as a whole within departments need to be part of an ongoing evaluation with close collaboration between the professional body, departmental managers and higher education institutes to develop curricula to support existing and emerging roles. There are also key lessons to be learned from other professions with more experience with advanced practitioners if recruitment and retention is not going to continue to be a problem

[en] The following view is held by the consultants. The Agency should have criteria which can be used in the field and which can be used by an inspector to answer the question of whether a particular batch of material presented for termination of safeguards does, in fact, qualify for the termination of safeguards. To maintain the credibility of safeguards, the criteria of termination should be such that termination of waste is not the weak link in the safeguards system. That is, that given a choice, a potential diverter would choose to obtain nuclear material he needs from a source other than recovery from waste upon which safeguards has been terminated

No abstract available

[en] This work is about fossils coal studies in the regional geology of San Gregorio, Itarare, Tres Islas, Rio Bonito, Frayle Muerto, Palermo, Mangrullo, Irati, Paso Aguiar, Serra Alta, Yaguari, Terezina, Tacuarembo, Rio do Rasto, Botucatu, Rivera, Arapey , Serra Geral formations.

[en] The International Atomic Energy Agency, through a consultancy, is preparing a document describing good practices for the qualification of research reactor fuel. The rationale for the preparation of the document and the document's organization and content are discussed. It is anticipated that the consultants will present a final draft to the IAEA by mid-December for editing and publication in 2008.