Experiences of Diagnostic Radiography Students With Workplace-Based and Online Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study Across Four Higher Education Institutions in South Africa

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic caught the world by surprise, causing unprecedented disruptions. The training of diagnostic radiography students was particularly affected due to lockdowns and strict regulations. This study aimed to explore and describe diagnostic radiography students' workplace-based and online learning experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa. Methods: Using an online open-ended questionnaire, the data were collected from 48 fourth-year diagnostic radiography students in 2023 from the four participating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in South Africa. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis, supported by Atlas.Ti analysis software, was employed to analyse the data. Results: Four key themes were revealed: Theme 1: Clinical placement experiences during COVID-19. Theme 2: Participants' personal protective equipment (PPE) experiences during COVID-19. Theme 3: Participants' experiences of inclusive learning enablers. Theme 4: Impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on learning experiences. Diagnostic radiography students in South Africa faced significant challenges during clinical placements and online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, including fear, stress, fatigue and emotional exhaustion due to increased workloads. Online learning offered convenience but came with difficulties adapting to new methods and accessing materials, alongside technical issues. Conclusion: The findings highlight diverse experiences among diagnostic radiography students during the pandemic. This research will inform practical recommendations to improve student support during crises, helping them better navigate future similar situations.