Oral Abstracts

Objectives: To explore the role and significance of soft skills in medical radiation science and the educational methods employed to develop these competencies. Methods: A scoping review was conducted through a systematic search of three major electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science) focusing on peer-reviewed literature published between January 2014 and December 2023. Twenty-five studies on soft skills in medical radiation science, employing various research methodologies, were included in the final review. Data extraction and analysis were performed to identify key findings related to soft skills and their development. Results: Communication was the most predominant soft skill, reported in 17 studies, followed by empathy in 10 studies. Various educational strategies were employed to develop these skills, with workshops, video demonstrations, and simulation-based training proving effective in skills development. These methods were shown to enhance soft skills in healthcare settings, improving both patient interactions and team collaboration. Conclusion: The findings underscore the crucial role of soft skills in delivering holistic and patient-centered care within medical radiation science. The educational strategies identified offer opportunities to integrate soft skills development into medical radiation science curricula to equip radiographers to navigate the complexities of the healthcare settings.