A Reflective Journey of Exploring Health and Healthcare in the Context of Diagnostic Imaging

As I finalize this enriching journey through the MHST601 Critical Foundations in Health Disciplines course, I find myself at a crossroads, reflecting on the impact this course has had on my understanding of health dynamics. It has deepened my insight into the Canadian healthcare system within the context of diagnostic imaging. Furthermore, I've gained valuable insights from my peers, learning about their health practices, research areas, and interests in a multidisciplinary, interactive manner. This final blog post serves as a synthesis of my exploration through course units, consolidating diverse concepts, discussions, and curated resources that have influenced my perspectives.

From the outset, the intersection of professionalism and social media has become a crucial aspect of one's professional identity. Social media presence varies significantly among Medical Radiologic Technologists (MRT) (Alanzi & Alshahrani, 2018) and remains a personal choice. Maintaining professionalism on these platforms involves a delicate balance between showcasing expertise and engaging with peers while upholding ethical standards and the codes of conduct. It's about presenting a curated version of oneself that aligns with the values and guidelines of the professional field. Our regulatory body, The Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT), has published social media guidelines for MRTs in Alberta (ACMDTT, 2020). Navigating this landscape necessitates a mindful approach, understanding the implications of every online interaction, and engaging respectfully while being conscious of what is shared.

Understanding health involved embracing a multilevel approach that extends beyond the absence of disease; it entailed embracing a holistic view of well-being influenced by various determinants. These determinants, encompassing social, economic, environmental, mental, and individual factors, intricately shape one's health status and outcomes (World Health Organization, 1948). Ranging from access to quality healthcare and education to socioeconomic status and living conditions, these determinants interact in complex ways, significantly impacting health outcomes. Each individual has unique circumstances, such as genetics, environment, and education level, that define their health (World Health Organization, 2017). Recognizing the multifaceted nature of health and its determinants enables a more comprehensive approach to healthcare, focusing not only on treatment but also on preventive measures, health promotion, and addressing the root causes of disparities (Menatti et al., 2022). This understanding empowers individuals and communities to actively engage in their well-being and advocate for systemic changes fostering healthier societies.

The Canada Health Act (CHA) stands as a foundational pillar, guiding the ethos of the healthcare system. Its principles, particularly universality and accessibility, have been cornerstones defining equitable healthcare provision across Canada. However, delving deeper into the intricacies of the system through scholarly discourse, it became evident that while the CHA established overarching principles, it also faced challenges in adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape (Chowdhury & Chowdhury, 2018).

In my exploration, a recurrent theme has been the challenges surrounding diagnostic imaging services (Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), 2023). As an MRT, my professional landscape intertwines with the intricacies of diagnostic imaging, emphasizing the critical role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans in modern healthcare.  Recent data from May to July of 2023 showed that 90% of pediatric patients wait 29.8 weeks for an MRI scan (Government of Alberta, 2023). The persistent issue of lengthy wait times for these essential services, notably highlighted in the Alberta context, resonates with me as a critical concern that demands immediate attention. The discrepancy between the growing demand for diagnostic imaging and the available resources underscores the urgent need for systemic changes. As the need for improving infrastructure becomes increasingly evident, there is a growing requirement for stringent guidelines on requesting diagnostic imaging. Utilizing evidence-based red flags could substantially streamline the process, optimizing resource utilization while ensuring timely access for patients (Khoury et al., 2019).

The integration of technology advancements, including innovative scheduling techniques for non-emergency imaging procedures, emerges as a potential solution to optimize the utilization of current resources. Moreover, exploring sustainable methods for enhancing the workforce and addressing red tape in the healthcare domain presents avenues for systemic improvement. As an MRT, the intersectionality of these themes converges with my professional field, particularly the significance of MRI and CT scans, which assume a pivotal role in healthcare diagnostics.

The advent of remote scanning holds the potential to address the pressing issue of prolonged wait times for essential imaging services. This technology, called Remote MRI Scanning (RMS), allows a technologist to operate multiple MRI machines simultaneously from a remote location (Hudson & Sahibbil, 2022). RMS has emerged as a possible solution, particularly in addressing staffing challenges and subspecialty needs. This innovative approach enhances access while decentralizing services, contributing significantly to the vision of an equitable healthcare system. However, RMS is still in its infancy in Canada. In the near future, I foresee its primary use being for training and supporting local technologists in advanced applications (Zone3Podcast, 2023). However, for this technology to be more widely used, regulations must catch up to address safety and liability concerns arising from distancing the technologist from the MRI scanner.

My role extends beyond clinical practice, encompassing educational endeavours within the MRT domain. A pivotal aspect of this role involves aligning our curriculum with the national competency profile set by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) (CAMRT, n.d.) and the criteria established by Accreditation Canada (Accreditation Canada, n.d.). This alignment emphasizes the necessity of mentoring future technologists to be proficient in navigating the evolving healthcare landscape.

Healthcare inequities affecting Marginalized Groups have been a focal point that I have explored. The fundamental human need for healthcare becomes even more critical for refugees fleeing war zones or seeking asylum. Achieving equitable healthcare for refugees is possible through measures like language training (Antonipillai et al., 2018), confidential health interpreters, community and institutional support for resource-strapped centers, and addressing provincial disparities. This includes emphasizing consistent coverage, eliminating waiting periods, and urging federal action to improve the Interim Federal Health Program (Saberpor, 2016).

The prevalence of chronic health conditions in Alberta has impacted nearly 30% of the population (Alberta Health Services, 2023). Chronic Disease Management, particularly concerning conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS), stands out as a common indication for neuro MRI scans. The primary modality for diagnosing MS is MRI with Gadolinium contrast injection. Unravelling the complexities of managing chronic conditions sheds light on proactive strategies and community-based interventions. As with most diseases, early diagnosis and treatment will improve the quality of life for those patients. Exercise and physical therapy might help decelerate the progression of the condition and lower the frequency of relapses. Healthcare professionals must weigh pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and surgical interventions due to the numerous treatment options available (Urits et al., 2019).

A preventive health issue I explored using the Social-Ecological Model was navigating factors that influence children’s immunization uptake in Alberta. This exploration highlighted the importance of multilevel interventions (Galea, 2015) within a social-ecological context. In Alberta, the North, Central, and South regions under Alberta Health Services (AHS) exhibit lower immunization rates (70% to 84%) for routine childhood vaccines compared to the more urban Edmonton region (Chiem et al., 2022). Understanding the interconnectedness of factors shaping population health underscores the necessity for multifaceted interventions.

As I look back at my journey through this course, it becomes evident that the synergy between course materials, discussions, curated resources (Ungerer, 2016), and real-world examples has significantly contributed to my professional growth. The amalgamation of theory with applicable insights has fortified my resolve to continue to contribute meaningfully to healthcare, particularly in the context of diagnostic imaging, advocating for systemic changes that prioritize patient-centric care. A good example of such systemic change is the AHS implementation of the Connect Care Network, ensuring province-wide access to medical records for all patients and promoting continuity of care (Alberta Health Services, 2021).

In conclusion, MHST601 has not only broadened my understanding of health foundations but has also equipped me with the critical lens necessary to assess and navigate the intricacies within the Canadian healthcare system and identify areas requiring modernization (Flood & Thomas, 2016). This reflective journey serves as a catalyst, propelling me forward into a landscape where challenges become opportunities for transformation, and where informed action drives impactful change.

References

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Zone3Podcast. (2023, April 9). Dr. Frank Shellock’s thoughts on remote scanning. [Video] YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1zDqm4NhHIY