An evaluation of knowledge of circular economy among Therapeutic Radiographers/Radiation Therapists (TR/RTTs): Results of a European survey to inform curriculum design

A.L. Soares, S.C. Buttigieg, J.G. Couto, B. Bak, S. McFadden, C. Hughes, P. McClure, J. Rodrigues, I. Bravo

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Abstract

Introduction
Global warming and the increase in greenhouse gases are a current concern worldwide. The healthcare sector constitutes about 4.4% of all emissions. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, awareness and attitudes of Therapeutic Radiographers/Radiation Therapists (TR/RTTs) regarding environment-related concepts to inform the development of educational curriculum.

Methods
A validated self-designed survey was distributed to TR/RTTs across Europe by the SAFE EUROPE partners and via social media between October 2021 and February 2022. The survey was divided into six sections: (i) demographics, (ii) knowledge of Circular Economy (CE) and Green Skills (GS), (iii) personal attitudes, (iv) TR/RTTs attitudes, (v) the importance of CE, and (vi) education. Questions consisted of mostly Likert scales complemented with other closed- and open-ended questions.

Results
31%–42% of participants are aware of national and departmental policies in CE and GS concepts. Even though half of the participants considered that they advocate and practice CE, the open questions indicated that participants only focus on waste management, ignoring all the other dimensions of CE in healthcare. Personal attitudes and lifestyles also did not reflect CE.

TR/RTTs considered CE practices and GS development essential. However, the suggested academic level at which these skills should be developed was split between High School (44%) and Bachelor's degree (32%).

Conclusion
It is essential to raise awareness among TR/RTTs about the various dimensions of CE applied to healthcare: “green transportation”, “environment-friendly procurement”, “hospital building design”, “food process optimisation”, “water reduction”, “energy efficiency”, and “waste management”.

Implications for practice
These GS must be developed by TR/RTTs to decrease their impact on the environment. Their training may need to be lifelong, starting during basic high school education and continuing as healthcare professionals after graduation.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)274-283
Number of pages10
JournalRadiography
Volume29
Issue number2
Early online date6 Jan 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 31 Mar 2023

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was co-funded by the SAFE EUROPE project under the Erasmus+ Sector Skill Alliances programme [grant agreement 2018-2993/001-001].The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.Jéssica Rodrigues is supported by a PhD fellowship from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal (UI/BD/152282/2021).

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023

Keywords

  • curriculum design
  • circular ecoknowledge
  • radiographers
  • Green skills
  • Radiation therapist
  • Therapeutic radiographer
  • Circular economy
  • Green healthcare
  • Education

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