Developing assertion skills for student radiographers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether, through the process of action research, an appropriate assertion skills programme could improve the assertion skills of student radiographers. Fifty-three students at the Southampton School of Radiography participated in the study over a period of 3 years by completing self-report assertion inventories and evaluation exercises prior to, and on completion of, the programme. Self-report assertion inventory scores revealed that after the programme students had improved their assertion skills, and this was particularly evident when the performance of individual students was analysed. Students also evaluated the programme as being a very enjoyable and worthwhile experience.