Beyond Technique: A scoping review on the Role of Soft Skills in Medical Radiation Science

Introduction
Integration of soft skills with technical skills in medical radiation science (MRS) is crucial for delivering high-quality patient care. While the technical aspects of MRS are often emphasized, the integration of soft skills is recognized as essential for improving patient outcomes, enhancing the patient experience, and fostering a collaborative healthcare environment. These skills enable MRS practitioners to interact effectively with patients and colleagues, address the emotional and psychological needs of patients, and work efficiently as part of an interdisciplinary team. Despite their importance, there is a gap in understanding how soft skills are taught, applied, and valued within MRS education and practice.

Aims
The review sought to explore the role, significance, and educational strategies for soft skills in MRS, offering insights into how these skills are integrated into clinical practice and curricula. The review was conducted by MRS academics at Charles Sturt University from Wagga Wagga and Port Macquarie campuses.

Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across three major databases: Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. The search targeted studies published from January 2014 to December 2023, focusing on the role of soft skills in MRS practice and education. Twenty-five studies employing various research designs were included in the final review. Data extraction was double-blindly performed by four authors to minimize bias. The review focused on identifying the soft skills highlighted in the studies, the contexts in which they were applied, and the educational strategies used to develop these skills.

Results
Communication was the most frequently reported soft skill noted in 17 articles, followed by empathy in ten studies. Twelve studies highlighted diverse training strategies, including workshops, video demonstrations, and simulation-based training. These strategies were effective in enhancing soft skills.

Discussion
The findings highlight the importance of soft skills in MRS practice in holistic patient care. The prominence of communication and empathy as critical soft skills underscore their central role in all aspects of patient care. The training strategies identified, especially simulation-based training and interactive workshops, offer a promising avenue for addressing the specific educational needs of rural students. These methods provide opportunities to engage with realistic scenarios, fostering both technical proficiency and the development of soft skills in a context that mirrors the complexities of rural healthcare delivery. By integrating these strategies into the MRS curriculum at Wagga Wagga and Port Macquarie campuses, we can better prepare students to meet the demands of practice in diverse healthcare environments, including regional and remote settings. Future research will explore the long-term impact of these educational strategies on clinical practice, with a specific focus on rural and regional settings.

Conclusion
The review highlights the essential role of soft skills in delivering holistic patient care within MRS. These skills not only enhance patient interactions but also foster a supportive, efficient work environment that promotes effective interdisciplinary collaboration. The findings underscore the importance of integrating structured soft skills training into MRS curricula to prepare student radiographers to meet the demands of modern healthcare.

Keywords: Soft skills, medical radiation science, patient care, communication