Beyond competencies - describing work ready plus graduates for the New Zealand medical imaging workforce

Introduction Medical imaging is a profession where technology and practice is moving forward at a fast pace, while also being situated within rapidly evolving models of healthcare delivery. This requires capabilities in our graduates beyond the competencies to undertake the role. This study used an existing Professional Capability Framework as the foundation for the development of a survey tool to identify those capabilities most valued by the health services that provide placement opportunities for students. Methods Results A prospective survey, conducted online, was used to gather the data from senior medical imaging staff who work regularly with students and new graduates. The results identified the top capabilities within each of three domains of personal, interpersonal, and cognitive capabilities. The results from the personal domain show that remaining calm under pressure or when things take an unexpected turn; understanding personal strengths and limitations; being willing to face and learn from errors; wanting to do as good a job as possible and having energy, passion and enthusiasm for the profession and role are most valued by the profession. We have identified links between the most desired interpersonal capabilities and attributes of well-functioning interprofessional teams and the cognitive capabilities align to those required for critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Conclusions These results have allowed the curriculum development team to review the graduate profile of medical imaging technology graduates. The curriculum development team has begun a process to incorporate learning strategies that will encourage the development of these capabilities in our graduates.