Medical imaging is such a unique corner of the healthcare field. It is technical. It is fast paced. We maintain professionalism in the face of often difficult circumstances. We are an integral part in helping someone on what may be one of the worst days of their lives. 

And yet, so much of what we see and what we carry with us from work sits in the background, quietly. 

This is the reason I created the Debrief Journal for Radiographers. It is a space to put what is left at the end of a difficult shift onto the page. To get it out of your mind and to begin processing. 

It is not a tool to 'fix' you, or a crisis resource; however, it can be a method of 'mental maintenance' just for yourself. A space to think about your work, what it means, and how you fit into healthcare in your important role as a Radiographer. 

This prompted journal covers a lot of ground. It has chapters that are very applicable to students who are absorbing a million and one things on placement at once. It has space for new grads who are building their confidence as they enter the workforce in medical imaging. I have also included space for reflection for radiographers at varying stages of their careers. 

One of the most important chapters I wanted to include focuses on leading well, reflecting on different approaches, and how to support a team based on individual personalities. All too often, people are promoted because they excel clinically, without being given the training they need to feel confident in a management role. This chapter introduces a range of styles, touches on personality frameworks, and explores how strong team culture often starts with truly knowing the people you work with. The prompts are designed to help anyone in a supervisory role (or anyone who hopes to step into one in the future) reflect on what good guidance looks like and start shaping their own approach as early as they like. 

A key component of this journal is that I would like it to serve as a companion that students can pick up and take with them throughout their medical imaging practice. Each radiographer will evolve as they progress through their careers, and I wanted to create a space to document this - beginning with the 'My Why' section, which explores the reasons they chose the profession initially. 

This can be returned to over and over again and (I hope) will build a great foundation and practice of reflection to help shape a well rounded radiographer in the process. 

A theme that I wanted to flow through the journal is to bring the human side of radiography to life through the prompts. It is very easy to see requests as 'the Chest X-Ray in the waiting room' or 'another ICU Mobile'. I think there is a difficult balance that needs to be found between efficiency and personability. It is easy to overlook the individuality of each patient, and I wanted the journal to support the kind of practice that is of a highly skilled, technical radiographer who also integrates high levels of patient care and respect for each individual they see.

Above is an example of what the inside of the journal looks like, with the quick reflection and the deeper dive - depending on how much you would like to reflect on the topic at the time. 

I want to be transparent with everyone - I am learning as I go. I thought it would be a good idea to show the behind-the-scenes journey as I know that I am not the only one who wants to have honest conversations in healthcare.

I am very passionate about these topics and I really wanted to make a tool that could help radiographers at any stage.

My background in Nursing and time spent working in an Emergency Department as a receptionist have given me unique insights into my career as a Radiographer and then as a Cardiac Physiologist. I have a passion for Medical Imaging, and with all of that, an overall passion for healthcare in general.

My skills began as academic, evolved into clinical and have now landed me in a job that I never expected I would be in: Making X-Ray Markers and Accessories for healthcare workers around the world. I am very grateful to be in the position to be able to do this.

This Journal has been something that has been brewing for a long time, and I am so glad to share it with anyone who is interested in reading it.

I have had a small glitch with the publishing of it on Amazon KDP, as they haven't been able to upload the thumbnail correctly. However, I have ordered a copy (and so did my Mum - thanks Mum!) and they have both arrived in perfect condition. So if you are interested in having a look, here is the link to the Journal.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Debrief-Journal-Sarah-Joanne-Griffith/dp/B0G39QWFJW/

If you are a student or a new grad, I hope this becomes something you can return to over and over again. From placement and interview nerves, building your confidence at your first job and all of the growth that comes after that. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.

Sarah xx