Challenges Experienced by Clinical Educators in the Assessment of Students: Findings from Nursing and Their Application to Radiography in Zambia

Abstract

Background: There have been concerns about the incompetence of newly qualified radiographers and radiography technologists in Zambia, raising questions about the effectiveness of clinical assessments. Although several challenges concerning the assessment of nursing students during clinical placements have been reported, no published literature review has brought these findings together. Therefore, this study aimed to review the challenges that clinical educators face while assessing nursing students and apply the findings to radiography education in Zambia.

Methods: An electronic search of the literature was conducted in three databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed/MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect. Six (6) research studies from the United Kingdom (N=3), and Norway (N=3) were identified and included in this review. Data was extracted and analysed thematically.

Results: Following data analysis, four themes representing challenges experienced by clinical educators in clinical assessment emerged. The themes include training and support in clinical education, failing to fail underperforming students, differing objectives between clinical and academic educators, and unfavourable conditions for clinical placements.

Conclusion: By addressing issues related to training and support, student assessment practices, alignment of objectives between academic and clinical educators, and improving conditions for clinical placements, the radiography education system can enhance the quality of student assessment, ultimately benefiting the future radiography workforce.