Emotional Intelligence development in Diagnostic Radiography and Radiation Therapy students: an international, longitudinal study

Emotional intelligence (EI) has been identified as an important trait for healthcare professionals and healthcare students. This study aims to map the EI development of Diagnostic Radiography (DR) and Radiation Therapy (RT) students together with related activities through the curriculum that have potential to increase EI. First year DR and RT students from three universities in Hong Kong, Ireland and the UK were invited to participate in an online trait EI questionnaire (TEIQue-SF). Statistically analysis was performed and preliminary results with 230 participants show there are differences between EI scores of Irish and UK students and their Hong Kong peers. There are differences between the EI profiles of the 1 st year DR and RT students and qualified DR and RT practitioners with staff scoring higher on overall Global EI and two sub measures.