European Journal of Radiography最新文献

Introduction

The usefulness of anti-scatter grid in digital pediatric chest radiography was investigated by a phantom study assessing image quality using subjective evaluations and dose measurements.

Method

A contrast detail study was undertaken. Images were taken with and without anti-scatter grids (grid ratio 15:1), for PMMA phantom thickness ranging from 1 to 15 cm. Fourteen radiographers, experienced in digital pediatric and/or skeletal radiography, read 96 images. At each thickness, the image with and without grid technique was read three times, and in random order. Correct Observation Ratio (COR) and Image Quality Figures (IQF) were calculated. Dose Area Products were measured with DAP-meter.

Results

The COR and IQF values indicated statistically significant (p < 0.05) enhanced image quality when using anti-scatter grid for all thicknesses 5 cm and more. The DAP values increased significantly by grid techniques (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Grid techniques may be beneficial to image quality for PMMA objects over 5 cm, but this leads to a higher dose. Although the magnitude of dose may be low, the dose should be kept at a minimum. In conclusion, improving image quality should be based on optimizing post-processing settings and image evaluation conditions.

Introduction

Due to the configuration of the breast and its variability between individuals, correct selection of the angle of the bucky (bucky may be interchanged with film holder; image receptor; cassette holder; detector; film holder and compression paddle; image receptor; gantry; column; C-arm) in the mediolateral oblique view of the breast is critical to maximise the amount of breast tissue demonstrated. However, there is no standardisation within the literature to instruct radiographers on how best to determine the correct angle. Most radiographers are taught to “angle to the pectoral muscle”. The result is that there is significant variation in the techniques used to select the angle of the bucky. This study set out to investigate the current practice of bucky angle selection in Australia.

Method

Surveys were distributed to both BreastScreen Australia and private practice radiographers as a way of collecting a large data sample. Responses were grouped into three categories: sample profile, clinical practice and understanding. Following collation, thematic analysis was undertaken and descriptive statistics developed.

Results

One hundred and sixty eight surveys were returned. Overall the study results demonstrate that Australian radiographers were aware of the importance of correct selection of the bucky angle to maximise image quality and breast cancer detection. However significant variations in current practice exist for the method of determination of the angle of the bucky for the mediolateral oblique view of the breast.

Conclusion

Current practice for the selection of the angle of the bucky in Australia is varied and non-standardised. Variation in positioning techniques may lead to inconsistency in image quality and reproducibility and could ultimately compromise the diagnostic value of the images produced. Further research into the most appropriate method for the selection of the bucky angle needs to be undertaken to inform a standardised approach to bucky angle selection, to maximise the visualisation of breast tissue and the early detection of breast cancer.

Objectives

Improvements in the competency level and changes in attitude of staff are extremely important due to the projected increase in the percentage of persons with dementias, who are frequently referred to imaging departments. The aim of this study is to assess the attitude of radiographers towards people with dementia and to identify whether there is any association between attitude and background variables such as age, gender and length of work experience.

Methods

Six University hospitals’ diagnostic imaging departments in Norway were surveyed, using the Norwegian translation of the validated Swedish version of the “Strain in nursing care assessment scale” (SNC). The study population was radiographers (N = 146).

Results

Significant differences in attitudes have been identified. Male radiographers reported significantly more negative attitudes than female radiographers (p = 0.02). Radiographers aged over 50 years reported a significantly more positive attitude than staff of aged 30 and under (p = 0.02). Staff with fewer than 10 years of work experience reported significantly more negative attitudes than staff with more than 20 years of experience (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Overall, the attitude of the radiographers towards people with dementia was measured to be of a negative rather than a positive nature.

Objective

The purpose of this paper was to review the literature relating to the extension of the radiographer role in the UK National Health Service, 1995–2009; focusing on those activities where this role extension had been most pronounced.

Methodology

In this paper descriptive research method was used. This literature review was focused on five key research surveys together with other peer reviewed primary research articles. Government and professional bodies’ publications were also reviewed.

Results

The number of trusts adopting extended radiographer roles had grown considerably over the period 1995–2009, encompassing a diverse range of activities, many of which have become well established. These included radiographer reporting in ultrasound and in skeletal X-ray examinations and intravenous injection administration. Influencing factors were increased service demand, shortage of radiologists and increased capacity of radiology services and equipment.

Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is the most widely used technique in clinical practice to assess changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and to predict fracture risk. Its application to lumbar spine and proximal femur BMD measurements is extremely useful in diagnosing bone mass decrease and implementing therapeutic interventions. As a consequence, its use in clinical practice requires capacity to tailor procedures to individual cases, knowledge to prevent potential sources of error, to provide measurement reproducibility and analysis, and interpretation abilities. Its advantages include the use of low radiation doses, short scan time, high precision and good patient acceptance.

Introduction

The College of Health Sciences, Makerere University has been training health professionals since 1924 using a lecture based curriculum. After a curriculum review, the curriculum was changed to Problem Based Learning (PBL)/Community Based Education and Service (PBL/COBES) for all undergraduate programmes of which radiography is part. This study was carried out to find the attitudes and perceptions of students and faculty about PBL in the radiography curriculum.

Objective

To find out the attitudes and perceptions of students and teachers about PBL in the radiography curriculum.

Methods

The study was conducted at the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study in which self-administered questionnaires were used and focus group discussions conducted with both radiography students and faculty.

Results

All the students and 80% of teachers rated PBL highly as a good instructional method. 100% of the students and 100% of the teachers reported that PBL is a gateway to the acquisition of key generic skills like team work, problem-solving and self-directed learning. In adequate learning resources as well as student assessment in PBL were noted as the major challenges.

Conclusion

Both students and teachers affirmed that PBL is an excellent method of training radiographers. There is need however to avail students with adequate learning resources in order to sustain the programme.

Introduction

Non-biological, yet signal-responsive, MR phantom materials are becoming increasingly commonplace. One such novel agent, semi-solid manganese chloride (MnCl₂), has recently been described as a potential calibration standard for direct assessment of in vivo cartilage fluid content. Given the established correlation between intervertebral disc (IVD) hydration state and physiologic spinal functioning, such a tool, allowing calibration for ‘quantitative’ appraisal of disc fluid content, has many potential applications. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate MR signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurement reliability of a novel MnCl₂-based signal calibration phantom for in vivo disc hydration analysis, using a 10 × 10 inter- and intra-observer reliability analysis in the pre-clinical setting.

Materials and methods

A series of novel MnCl₂ calibration phantoms were imaged to assess intra-/inter-observer reliability during measurement of signal intensity. The phantoms were imaged under ten different MR sequences, generating 75 signal regions from which SNR values were measured. Inter-observer reliability was tested by inviting ten individuals to obtain signal measurements from each image, on a single occasion. To test intra-observer reliability, a single participant was asked to record measurements of the same features on ten separate occasions.

Results

1425 Discrete measurement points were available for combined reliability analyses. Single-measure intraclass correlation coefficients showed high measurement agreement, with both intra- and inter-observer values approaching 1.00.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that signal measurements can be obtained using MnCl₂ disc phantoms, with a high degree of observer reliability, supporting their use as a signal calibration standard during orthopaedic MR-based cartilage imaging.

This was a Study to Investigate Infection Control and Administering Policies Regarding Radiographer Performed Intravenous Injections. The hypotheses of the research study were:

Method

Two methods of data collection were used, a literature review and an observational study including a pilot study. The qualitative research method used in order to gather data was a structured observational study of eight radiographers using a pre-prepared checklist based upon best practice guidelines from the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiotherapy (IIRRT), and the infection control department of the hospital in which the study took place.

Results

Each radiographer was observed several times and given a score accordingly with the results being presented in tabular form.

Conclusion

The research study ascertained that radiographers did not adhere to hospital infection control guidelines when inserting IV cannulae i.e. radiographers did not consistently wash their hands prior to performing IV cannulation.

Radiographers administering IV contrast media injections, did not fully adhere to IV administration guidelines.

Aim

To compare the differences in image quality and average glandular dose (AGD) of mammograms of the large breast using two different film formats: 18 × 24 cm and 24 × 30 cm, and explore factors affecting these differences.

Materials and methods

197 women with breasts too large to be imaged on the standard 18 × 24 cm film format (f.f.) had one breast imaged in one view on both film formats. An analogue mammography unit was used. A mosaic technique was used in conjunction with the 18 × 24 cm format. A phantom study was used to compare spatial resolution and contrast of both formats at differing phantom thicknesses. The formats were compared for differences in subjective image quality using the parameters; sharpness, contrast, positioning and compression. The amount of breast tissue exposed more than once using the mosaic technique was calculated. The AGD was calculated for each film format, adjusting for the area exposed more than once during the mosaic technique.

Results

Spatial resolution and contrast decreased with increasing phantom thickness on both formats. Spatial resolution was poorer in the nipple-areolar area on the 24 × 30 cm format than the 18 × 24 cm format. There was equal or improved image quality on all parameters using the mosaic technique when compared with the 24 × 30 cm f.f. with the exception of evaluation by the PGMI-system (Perfect, Good, Moderate, Inadequate) of the cranio-caudal images. Women received an average of 0.77 mGy (41.6%) higher AGD when the mosaic technique was used as compared to the 24 × 30 cm film format.

Conclusion

There is a marked improvement in image quality in the use of the 18 × 24 cm format and mosaic technique. Mosaic technique results in a higher AGD than the 24 × 30 cm f.f.