Demand, Perceived Barriers and Available Infrastructure for Radiology Subspecialisation Training in Kenya

Abstract

Background: The current trend in Radiology training worldwide is to culminate in fellowship training. Drivers for this trend include the rapid innovation in radiology technology as well as changing job market dynamics that demand constant development in clinical expertise to improve employability and provide high-end quality services. Multiple studies in developed countries have looked into the trends in radiology fellowship training for purposes of strengthening existing fellowship programmes and developing new programmes. In Sub Saharan Africa, there is paucity of literature on the level of interest in pursuing radiology fellowship training, preferred radiology fellowship courses and factors that determine the choice of subspecialty training. Additionally, knowledge on the available infrastructure to support fellowship training and perceived barriers to the development of radiology fellowship training is lacking. Bridging this knowledge gaps will inform and encourage further partnerships that would develop more local fellowship training depending on need. Objective: To determine the demand, perceived barriers and available infrastructure for radiology sub specialization training in Kenya. Study design: A mixed study method; A Cross-sectional study design was used to acquire quantitative data and semi-structured interviews of key informants was used for the qualitative data. Sampling method and sample size: Total population sampling included all registered radiologists and residents in training totaling 200 participants. Purposive sampling of key informants to include consenting chairs of department in the radiology training institutions in Kenya and the chair the Kenya Association of Radiologists (KAR)...