Study level

  • PhD
  • Master of Philosophy

Faculty/School

Faculty of Health

School of Clinical Sciences

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Supervisors

Associate Professor Christopher Edwards
Position
Associate Professor
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Health

External supervisors

  • Dr Ricky Tunny, QUT - Work Integrated Learning
  • Dr Tristan Reddan, Children's Health QLD
  • Jane Wardle, CQUniversity
  • Kate Lamb, University of South Australia
  • Dr Brooke Osborne, University of South Australia

Overview

Sonographers, highly skilled healthcare professionals responsible for essential diagnostic ultrasound services, are currently facing a severe nationwide shortage. The Australasian Sonographers Association reported a deficit of at least 3,000 sonographers in 2019. Training new sonographers involves comprehensive work-integrated learning (WIL), which blends academic knowledge with structured real-world experiences to develop vital clinical skills. However, due to escalating workforce demands, concerns have arisen about potential exploitation of students within workplaces. This exploitation could involve assigning tasks exceeding their capabilities or subjecting them to unjust working conditions. Such situations detrimentally affect students' ability to complete their graduate training and may subsequently degrade the quality of clinical care delivered to patients

Research activities

This research seeks to identify occurrences that negatively impact students learning and evaluate their impact on students' education, their well-being and the potential impacts on patients. Additionally, the project aims to propose strategies that educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and industry stakeholders can implement to mitigate risks.

The research will employ a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data will be collected through surveys distributed to sonography students who have undergone WIL placements. Qualitative data will be gathered through in-depth interviews with students, educators, healthcare professionals, and industry representatives. The analysis will explore students' perceptions and examine institutional practices.

Outcomes

This study intends to provide empirical evidence on the experience of sonography students during WIL. The findings will contribute to raising awareness about the issue, prompting discussions among educators, healthcare providers, and professional bodies. The project also aims to suggest guidelines for promoting ethical and equitable WIL practices, ensuring that students' learning and the delivery of care provided to patients is prioritized.

Skills and experience

This project is ideally suited to a recent graduate of an accredited medical sonography course in Australia interested in pursuing a higher degree research (HDR) project. Interested students should have a passion for equitable work-integrated learning and sonography education. Successful applicants should typically exhibit a blend of intellectual curiosity, a deep passion for the field of sonography, and a strong academic background.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

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Keywords

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.