How can Australian radiographers working within regulatory compliance in the Emergency Department improve patient safety?

This thesis investigates the regulatory compliance of Australian radiographers in the Emergency Department (ED) to enhance patient safety. Using a narrative literature review and a retrospective quantitative pilot study, it examines radiographers' adherence to justification, optimisation, and Preliminary Image Evaluation (PIE) in the ED Fast Track (FT) pathway. Findings indicate high but inconsistent compliance, with substantial accuracy in PIE. While regulatory adherence improves patient safety, gaps remain, necessitating further stakeholder engagement and research. Recommendations include prospective studies and integrating expanded radiographer roles into ED workflows to enhance diagnostic accuracy, timely communication of critical findings, and overall patient care.