Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Does a new MRI on-call service improve the timely imaging for suspected cauda equina syndrome?","authors":"Oliver Amadi ,&nbsp;Stamatia Papathanasiou ,&nbsp;Benard Ohene-Botwe ,&nbsp;Kirsten Barnicot","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102131","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102131","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Cauda equina syndrome (CES) develops due to compression of cauda equina nerve roots and requires urgent diagnosis, preferably using MRI. This will allow timely intervention to prevent irreversible neurological problems. On-call services can potentially reduce time taken to diagnose CES outside of standard operational hours. Most acute hospitals in the UK do not have on-call provisions for CES. This study therefore assessed whether introducing a short period of on-call service at an acute hospital significantly reduced the time in diagnosing CES. This can form the decision for future operational changes with possible replication in similar settings.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study was retrospective, comparing MRI exam time between the 12 months prior to the introduction of the on-call service and the 12 months post-introduction. One hundred sixteen patients with suspected CES during each timepoint were randomly sampled and data were analysed using Mann Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis and chi-squared tests.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Average MRI examination time (from request to report) was reduced by 0.7 h in the post-on-call timepoint compared to the pre-on-call timepoint, but this was not statistically significant (<em>U</em> = 6558.0, <em>p</em> = 0.739). However, for patients referred during the on-call period (19.30 to 22.00), examination time was reduced by 14.2 h (over 70 %) in the post on-call timepoint compared to the corresponding period in the pre on-call timepoint. Also, grouping data by referral periods, there was a statistically significant difference between the two timepoints (<em>H</em> = 74.5, d. <em>f</em> = 5, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). All the requests received during the on-call hours of the post on-call timepoint were completed within 24 h which was above the 95 % target while only 85 % completion was achieved in the corresponding period of the pre on-call timepoint. However, this difference was not statistically significant (χ2 (5) =8.4, <em>p</em> = 0.137)</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrated that though the short period of on-call reduced the overall MRI examination time for CES slightly, the reduction was not statistically significant.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 1","pages":"Article 102131"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ergonomic risk and musculoskeletal disorders among imaging professionals practising in Ghana","authors":"Chidi Uchenna Ollawa ,&nbsp;James Armo ,&nbsp;Edozie Iweka","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102164","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102164","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading occupational health challenge among imaging professionals globally. However, evidence from low-resource countries remains limited despite increasing diagnostic workloads and ergonomic hazards. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MSDs among Ghanaian diagnostic imaging professionals, identify associated risk factors, and evaluate ergonomic awareness and coping strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 107 diagnostic imaging professionals in Ghana, recruited via professional platforms through convenience sampling. Data on MSD prevalence, ergonomic awareness, occupational exposures, and coping mechanisms were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Analyses, including chi-square tests and Poisson regression adjusted for demographic and workplace variables, were conducted in SPSS (Version 26). Ethical approval was obtained (UHAS-REC A.8[121] 22–23).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 107 participants (87%; <em>n</em> = 93) who reported at least one MSD symptom, lower back (81.7%; <em>n</em> = 76), neck (46.2%; <em>n</em> = 43), and shoulder pain (43%; <em>n</em> = 40) were most prevalent. Patient handling (85.6%; <em>n</em> = 83) and prolonged static postures (61.9%; <em>n</em> = 60) were the leading risk factors. Although 91% (<em>n</em> = 97) were aware of MSD risks, only 56% (<em>n</em> = 60) had received ergonomic training, and 30% (<em>n</em> = 32) reported access to ergonomic equipment. Multivariable analysis identified a lack of ergonomic equipment as the strongest predictor of MSDs (aPR = 2.71; 95% CI: 1.44–5.10, <em>p</em> = 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Work-related MSDs are prevalent among Ghanaian imaging professionals, exacerbated by low ergonomics literacy and insufficient workplace adaptations.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>Targeted institutional interventions, including structured ergonomics training, improved access to equipment, and institutional policy reforms, are necessary to address this preventable occupational health burden.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 1","pages":"Article 102164"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can-AP: Informing a system level model for advanced practice implementation in radiation therapy through global experience","authors":"Caitlin Gillan ,&nbsp;Nicole Harnett","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102163","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102163","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>This work sought insight from countries at various stages of advanced practice radiation therapy (APRT) implementation, focusing on five system-level elements: practice framework, regulatory structure, educational preparation, certification model, and role implementation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A key informant survey targeted six national academic APRT leaders: Australia, Canada, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States, and France. Likert scale and ranking items considered the order of approach and progress in proposed elements, with additional insight sought in open-ended items.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Practice framework was the most well-addressed element; 4/6 (66.7%) informants believing it was at least “well underway”. The development of a regulatory structure was the least well advanced. Singapore’s informant believed their country to be furthest along overall, while France was perceived to have progressed the least. Informants tended to believe regulatory structure should be addressed earlier than it had been, while certification could come later, though some noted broader system-level political considerations that might impact advancement. Four informants (66.7%) noted element interreliability, seen to challenge efforts to pursue any individual element alone. All informants noted the value of therapist-led committees to advance elements, and those earlier in APRT journeys (Singapore, United States, France) noted the value of practice frameworks from Canada and the United Kingdom in informing work. Australia, Canada, and the United States proposed adding economic analysis of APRT as a sixth element.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>APRT integration demonstrates jurisdictional commonalities and nuances that can inform a system-level model. A ‘Can-AP’ model is proposed that integrates elements and builds clarity, acceptance, credibility, competence, viability, and a common implementation and process reporting standard for global APRT and other health professions exploring advanced practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 1","pages":"Article 102163"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623706","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultra-low dose CT for suspected physical abuse","authors":"Ahmed Mohammed ,&nbsp;Eimear Mahon ,&nbsp;Niamh Moore ,&nbsp;Lorna Sweetman ,&nbsp;Mary-Jane Murphy ,&nbsp;Louise Beagan ,&nbsp;Michael Maher ,&nbsp;Andrew England ,&nbsp;Helle Precht ,&nbsp;Mark F. McEntee","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102148","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102148","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Ultra-low dose CT (ULDCT) of the whole-body is a promising technique to replace radiography for the diagnosis of suspected physical abuse (SPA). This study aims to compare the image quality and radiation dose of ULDCT to standard dose CT (STDCT) in cases of SPA.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this phantom-based study, two sets of newborn, whole-body, anthropomorphic phantom images were acquired using STDCT and ULDCT protocols on a GE Revolution Apex scanner with Deep Learning Iterative Reconstruction (DLIR). The effective dose (ED) of both protocols was calculated using Monte Carlo simulation. Observers then assessed image quality (IQ) at an international radiology congress. The evaluation captured data on demographics, visualisation of the bony anatomy of all body parts with STDCT and ULDCT, and confidence in diagnosis using either protocol. Visual grading analysis (VGA) was used on an absolute scale for IQ rating and comparison.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Forty-six observers were included in this study, 38-radiographers and eight-radiologists. The percentage ED difference between protocols was 93.5 % (STDCT=0.56mSv vs ULDCT=0.04mSv) and 97.8 % of the observers underestimated the dose reduction when questioned. For the bony anatomy of all body parts, STDCT showed significantly higher IQ than ULDCT (AUC_VGA=0.75, asymmetric 95 % CI 0.69–0.8).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrated that 41 % of observers were confident using ULDCT protocol for SPA diagnosis and that ULDCT is a promising technique which may compete with projection radiography. Further work is needed to improve the ULDCT protocol and increase confidence while maintaining an ultra-low dose. ULDCT should be considered as a potential addition to radiographic skeletal survey (SS) in the investigation of SPA.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>ULDCT provides substantially lower radiation dose with acceptable image quality in a phantom model. While not directly compared with radiographic SS, ULDCT shows potential as a complementary tool for SPA imaging, and further protocol optimisation and evaluation are required before clinical implementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 1","pages":"Article 102148"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145579491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Message de la rédactrice en chef","authors":"Amanda Bolderston","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102130","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102130","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"56 6","pages":"Article 102130"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Editorial Board/Masthead","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102151","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102151","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"56 6","pages":"Article 102151"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Subscription","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1939-8654(25)00292-9","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1939-8654(25)00292-9","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"56 6","pages":"Article 102144"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Message from the Editor","authors":"Amanda Bolderston EdD, MSc, MRT(T), FCAMRT","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102129","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102129","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"56 6","pages":"Article 102129"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From experience to insight: Investigating first-year radiography students' experiences of the Amazing Radiography Race through the Gibbs reflective cycle","authors":"Hafsa Essop,&nbsp;Zanelle Kruger,&nbsp;Kealeboga Menwe","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102149","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102149","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The clinical environment can be intimidating for first-year university students, particularly those without prior exposure through job shadowing. A student’s first hospital experience is therefore crucial in shaping motivation and commitment to their chosen career path. Traditional hospital orientation, often limited to passive departmental tours led by supervisors, may fail to actively engage students or leave a lasting impression. The Amazing Radiography Race (ARR) introduces a gamified alternative, engaging students in group-based clue solving and task completion tailored to each radiography department. This study aims to explore students’ experiences of the ARR, captured through reflective report writing</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study was conducted at a University in South Africa. The study population is 60 first-year radiography students, selected through a purposive sampling method. Data was collected prospectively using reflective reports guided by the six steps of Gibbs’ reflective cycle, which includes, 1) description, 2) feelings, 3) evaluation, 4) analysis, 5) conclusion, and 6) action plan. Content analysis was used to analyse the data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Five main themes were developed: 1) Positive affective experiential learning 2) Introduction to foundational radiographic principles, 3) Insight into the reality of the clinical environment and career progression, 4) Learning through peer-mentorship and 5) Improvement of game dynamics. The students’ reflections indicate that the ARR had a multitude of benefits that the students could use to build on as they start their first year of study</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The Amazing Radiography Race demonstrates the value of gamification in health science orientation, promoting self-directed learning, teamwork, and essential interpersonal skills. It provided meaningful exposure for students with limited preclinical experience and highlighted the critical role of enthusiastic facilitators, especially senior students, in creating a supportive learning environment. While clinical settings may pose challenges, the ARR offers a scalable, context-sensitive model for enhancing orientation across disciplines.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 1","pages":"Article 102149"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145575175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A framework for upskilling Canadian Radiation Therapists for online adaptive radiation therapy","authors":"Amanda Moreira ,&nbsp;Tara Rosewall ,&nbsp;Jennifer Dang ,&nbsp;Michael Velec ,&nbsp;Nicole Harnett ,&nbsp;Yat Tsang ,&nbsp;Patricia Lindsay ,&nbsp;Peter Chung ,&nbsp;Winnie Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102150","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmir.2025.102150","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Advancements in precision radiation therapy have enabled adaptive radiation therapy (ART), which involves modifying treatment plans based on anatomical changes observed during treatment. This study analyzes ART workflows and Radiation Therapist (RTT) roles to identify upskilling needs and inform recommendations for a national competency framework supporting advanced image-guided ART in Canada.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>A multi-center, multi-phase mixed methods approach was used to explore RTT roles and training needs for ART across Canada. Phase 1 analyzed national survey data, focusing on RTT involvement and training in offline and online ART workflows. Phase 2 mapped online ART workflows for MR-guided and CT-guided linac systems and compared them to national and international competency frameworks. Phase 3 employed a Modified Delphi process with subject matter experts from five Canadian centers practicing online ART to reach consensus on tasks requiring upskilling beyond entry-level competencies.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Survey responses were received from 32 of 48 centers (67%), with 25 reporting offline ART and 5 reporting online ART. RTTs were involved in nearly all steps of both ART workflows, though their roles varied by modality. Offline ART tasks were primarily performed by dosimetry RTTs, while online ART tasks were concentrated among treatment unit RTTs. Training approaches differed significantly, with offline ART relying on in-house methods and online ART initially supported by vendor training. The Delphi process identified four key tasks requiring upskilling: structure propagation and contouring, target volume verification, plan modification, and dosimetric evaluation. These tasks, along with treatment decision-making, were also rated as highly important to the safety and efficacy of online ART.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Canadian RTTs are increasingly taking on expanded roles in the ART process. However, for those stepping into these roles, training has been inconsistent and often lacking beyond entry-level preparation. Tasks identified by expert consensus should serve as target training areas for centers aiming to upskill their RTTs and broaden the implementation of ART. An adaptive competency framework could equip RTTs with the necessary knowledge, skills and judgement to successfully work in this evolving ART environment and should standardize training nationally.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46420,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences","volume":"57 1","pages":"Article 102150"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145552054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}