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McLaughlin L, Johnstone G, McFadden SL, Hughes CM, Nesbitt L, Bond R, McConnell J. Impact of a digital training platform and tailored education on the chest image interpretation performance of healthcare professionals. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:1158-1166. [PMID: 38848642 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With the use of expert consensus a digital training tool was developed which proved useful when teaching radiographers how to interpret chest images. The training tool included A) a search strategy and B) an educational video programme to communicate the search strategies using eye tracking technology. METHODS A multi-reader multi-case study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of a training tool and study day. The interventions were designed to cover a range of potential pathological presentations. Participants, physiotherapists and nurse practitioners working at a cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (ICU), were asked to interpret 20 chest images at the beginning of the study and following access to each intervention. Participants received access to the training tool at different times for a period of 4-6 weeks. A study day was then be provided to all participants and interpretations of a different dataset were completed by all. Each participant was asked to complete a questionnaire to gain perceptions of the training provided. RESULTS Twenty-eight participants interpreted a total of 1680 chest radiographs. Improvements in specificity were noted across the participants. Sensitivity fell in both groups following both training interventions. CONCLUSION Face to face learning and digital components are potentially useful in professional development and revision in chest x-ray interpretation for non-medical healthcare professionals working in an ICU setting. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The training tool and study day may be useful as image interpretation revision aids or to accompany formal methods of education.
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Affiliation(s)
- L McLaughlin
- School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, UK. https://twitter.com/@LauraMcL15
| | - G Johnstone
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Scotland, UK.
| | - S L McFadden
- School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - C M Hughes
- School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - L Nesbitt
- Golden Jubilee National Hospital, NHS Golden Jubilee, Scotland, UK.
| | - R Bond
- School of Computing and Mathematics, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, UK.
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Murphy L, Nightingale J, Calder P. Difficulties associated with access to training and clinical support for Reporting Radiographers - A narrative evidence synthesis. Radiography (Lond) 2022; 28:1071-1079. [PMID: 35998381 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This narrative synthesis of evidence identifies and explores issues that impact upon the expansion or effectiveness of Reporting Radiographers working in all diagnostic modalities within the United Kingdom (UK). The publication focuses on accessibility to training for prospective Reporting Radiographers as well as clinical support within and beyond training. KEY FINDINGS Fifteen studies informed the themes of this article, they were published between 2014 and 2021. Reporting Radiographers often found it difficult find support during training and once qualified, this was usually due to the availability and workload of supervising staff. Although resistance and obstruction were experienced by many. Concerns relating to pay, promotion and interest were expressed by some respondents whilst access to courses and finance were highlighted as areas of variance across the UK. CONCLUSION Inadequate support of Reporting Radiographers is impairing expansion of the specialism, whilst impacting capability and morale. This increases risk of patient harm, delays to care and inefficiency, it also threatens the sustainability of services. Negative interactions between Reporting Radiographers and Radiologists or managers is disappointing considering development of the specialism; evidence of Reporting Radiographer effectiveness and current collaboration between Royal College of Radiologists and Society of Radiographers. Issues raised in relation to pay/promotion and litigation could be clarified with ease, this should be considered when guidance is updated. Access to finance and courses is a major barrier in some regions of the UK. Scope exists for further exploration of training. England has used grants to facilitate uptake, these may prove to be an important tool in other countries. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Drivers to increase recruitment should be implemented alongside measures to facilitate accessibility to training and improvements to support infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Murphy
- Radiology Department, Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
| | - J Nightingale
- Dept of Allied Health Professions, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
| | - P Calder
- Radiology Department, Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Sevens T, McGivern T. Reporting radiographer academy training model; an evaluation of the impact for trainees and clinical service. Radiography (Lond) 2022; 28:798-803. [PMID: 35221214 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Demand on imaging services continues to increase on a background of complex issues and barriers to care. Collaborative cross organisational working through the development of imaging networks is recommended to address these issues including managing reporting workloads. Standardisation of reporting practices and collaborative cross region reporting radiographer training has been recommended to be supported by a regional reporting radiographer academy model to achieve these aims. This research explores the perceptions of trainees and their managers/mentor who undertook radiographer academy training model with a view to integrated imaging network formalisation in the region. METHODS An online questionnaire was designed to capture qualitative and quantitative data with three phases; 1) trainees perception of the academy model, 2) trainees perception of the differences in training models and 3) the perceptions of the managers/mentors related to the academy model. RESULTS There were overwhelmingly positive opinions of the academy training model from both cohorts in this study, with the two main benefits emerging being the protected study time away from clinical departments and minimal disruption to clinical services due to reduced onus on the local mentors. Peer support was also highlighted as a positive aspect of the model which would facilitate future integrated imaging network working. CONCLUSION The academy model has been well received by both cohorts in this study with positive outcomes highlighted and the model being seen as promoting and facilitating integrated imaging network working between departments. The small sample size of the study requires consideration when extrapolating the results to wider academy models, however some themes may be applicable. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Investment in the reporting radiographer academy model is justified and provides a practical alternative to the traditional model.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sevens
- South Yorkshire & Bassetlaw Integrated Care System, United Kingdom.
| | - T McGivern
- South Yorkshire & Bassetlaw Integrated Care System, United Kingdom.
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Stevens BJ, Skermer L, Davies J. Radiographers reporting chest X-ray images: Identifying the service enablers and challenges in England, UK. Radiography (Lond) 2021; 27:1006-1013. [PMID: 33875356 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The chest x-ray (CXR) is the most commonly performed x-ray examination in England, UK. Reporting radiographers provide a cost-effective and safe solution for managing CXR backlogs, but not all Trusts support this service development. This study aimed to establish the service enablers and challenges associated with training and employing radiographers to report CXR images in acute hospital sites in England, UK. METHODS Approval for this electronic survey was granted in 84 of 146 (58%) Trusts approached. The survey was open for 10 weeks during August to October 2020, comprising of qualitative and quantitative questions. Data was exported in to an Excel spreadsheet where manual thematic analysis was performed. Descriptive statistics were also generated. RESULTS Sample size was 75 (89% response rate). Thirty-three departments (44%) had at least one trainee. Most departments (n = 53, 71%) employ at least one CXR reporting radiographer. A total of 121/160 (76%) radiographers report CXRs. Number of reporting sessions shows progression. Factors enabling training and employment arise from service improvements, financial pressures, and developing the workforce. The main challenges relate to staffing issues with a number of associated sub-themes. A small faction indicated lack of radiographer interest to report CXRs due to litigation worries; possibly uncovering a new and emerging issue. CONCLUSION Enablers and challenges associated with radiographers reporting CXRs are similar to previous studies. The growth of CXR reporting radiographers and reporting sessions indicates a continuing reliance on radiographers to contributing to managing CXR backlogs. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE It is recommended that potential trainees are explicitly informed of the legal protection that will be provided, to prevent accountability concerns impacting on the continuing progression in this area of advanced practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Stevens
- Radiology, Manor Hospital, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Moat Road, Walsall West Midlands, WS2 9PS, UK.
| | - L Skermer
- Radiology, Manor Hospital, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Moat Road, Walsall West Midlands, WS2 9PS, UK
| | - J Davies
- Radiology, Manor Hospital, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Moat Road, Walsall West Midlands, WS2 9PS, UK
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Arruda EF, Harper P, England T, Gartner D, Aspland E, Ourique FO, Crosby T. Resource optimization for cancer pathways with aggregate diagnostic demand: a perishable inventory approach. IMA JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT MATHEMATICS 2021; 32:221-236. [PMID: 33746612 PMCID: PMC7958297 DOI: 10.1093/imaman/dpaa014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This work proposes a novel framework for planning the capacity of diagnostic tests in cancer pathways that considers the aggregate demand of referrals from multiple cancer specialties (sites). The framework includes an analytic tool that recursively assesses the overall daily demand for each diagnostic test and considers general distributions for both the incoming cancer referrals and the number of required specific tests for any given patient. By disaggregating the problem with respect to each diagnostic test, we are able to model the system as a perishable inventory problem that can be solved by means of generalized G/D/C queuing models, where the capacity [Formula: see text] is allowed to vary and can be seen as a random variable that is adjusted according to prescribed performance measures. The approach aims to provide public health and cancer services with recommendations to align capacity and demand for cancer diagnostic tests effectively and efficiently. Our case study illustrates the applicability of our methods on lung cancer referrals from UK's National Health Service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edilson F Arruda
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Senghennydd Rd, Cardiff CF24 4AG, UK
- Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute, Graduate School and Research in Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Horácio de Macedo 2030, Rio de Janeiro RJ 21941-972, Brazil
| | - Paul Harper
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Senghennydd Rd, Cardiff CF24 4AG, UK
| | - Tracey England
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Senghennydd Rd, Cardiff CF24 4AG, UK
| | - Daniel Gartner
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Senghennydd Rd, Cardiff CF24 4AG, UK
| | - Emma Aspland
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Senghennydd Rd, Cardiff CF24 4AG, UK
| | - Fabrício O Ourique
- Department of Computing, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Rua Pedro João Pereira 150, Araranguá SC 88900-000, Brazil
| | - Tom Crosby
- Velindre Cancer Centre, Velindre NHS Trust, Velindre Rd, Cardiff CF14 2TL, UK
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Woznitza N, Steele R, Groombridge H, Compton E, Gower S, Hussain A, Norman H, O'Brien A, Robertson K. Clinical reporting of radiographs by radiographers: Policy and practice guidance for regional imaging networks. Radiography (Lond) 2020; 27:645-649. [PMID: 32814647 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Radiographer reporting is an essential component of imaging across the United Kingdom. Since the previous policy and practice guidance in 2004 the role and contribution of reporting radiographers has changed significantly. The move to imaging networks further reinforces the need for consistency in scope of practice and clinical governance for radiographer reporting. KEY FINDINGS This guidance provides a consistent, evidence-based template for planning a reporting service, resourcing, clinical governance, preceptorship, volume and frequency of reporting, a peer learning framework and expected standards. CONCLUSION Developed for North Central and East London, this framework and standards will help reduce unwarranted variation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Consistency in practice could help maximise the contribution of radiographer reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Woznitza
- Radiology Department, Homerton University Hospital, UK; School of Allied and Public Health Professions, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK; North Central and East London Cancer Alliance, UK; Health Education England, London, UK.
| | - R Steele
- North Central and East London Cancer Alliance, UK; Radiology Department, University College London Hospitals, UK
| | - H Groombridge
- Radiology Department, University College London Hospitals, UK
| | - E Compton
- Radiology Department, Guys & St Thomas' Hospitals, UK
| | - S Gower
- Radiology Department, Kings College Hospitals, UK
| | - A Hussain
- North Central and East London Cancer Alliance, UK
| | - H Norman
- North Central and East London Cancer Alliance, UK
| | - A O'Brien
- Radiology Department, Kings College Hospitals, UK
| | - K Robertson
- NHS England and Improvement, London, UK; South East London Cancer Alliance, UK
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Holland P, Spence H, Clubley A, Brooks C, Baldwin D, Pointon K. Reporting radiographers and their role in thoracic CT service improvement: managing the pulmonary nodule. BJR Open 2020; 2:20190018. [PMID: 33178958 PMCID: PMC7594904 DOI: 10.1259/bjro.20190018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The use of cross-sectional imaging in clinical medicine has been a major step forward in the management of many conditions but with that comes the increasing demand on resources and the detection of other potentially significant findings. This, in the context of a shortage of skilled radiologists, means that new ways of working are important. In thoracic CT, pulmonary nodules are a significant challenge because they are so common. Poor and inconsistent management can both cause harm to patients and waste resources so it is important that the latest guidelines are followed. The latter mandate the use of semi-automated volumetry that allows more precise management but is time-consuming. METHODS Reporting radiographers were iteratively trained in the use of semi-automated volumetry for pulmonary nodules by experienced thoracic radiologists. Once trained in this specific aspect, radiographers completed reporting of pulmonary nodules, checked by radiologists. RESULTS Radiographer reporting reduced radiologist time in reporting nodules and measuring their volume. Most of the volumetry was completed prior to the multidisciplinary meeting. This facilitated an increase in the number of patients discussed in 60 min from 15 to 22. Radiographers failed to detect few nodules, although a second read by radiologists is required in any case for other aspects of the reporting. CONCLUSION Reporting radiographers, working with radiologists in a supportive setting, can deliver the radiology in a lung nodule pathway, reducing the time commitment from radiologists and the pulmonary nodule multidisciplinary team members, whilst using this as an opportunity to conduct research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Holland
- Department of Radiology, Nottingham City Hospital Campus, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Hazel Spence
- Department of Radiology, Nottingham City Hospital Campus, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Clubley
- Department of Radiology, Nottingham City Hospital Campus, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chantel Brooks
- Department of Radiology, Nottingham City Hospital Campus, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - David Baldwin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Pointon
- Department of Radiology, Nottingham City Hospital Campus, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Harcus J, Snaith B. Expanding training capacity for radiographer reporting using simulation: Evaluation of a pilot academy project. Radiography (Lond) 2019; 25:288-293. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Culpan G, Culpan AM, Docherty P, Denton E. Radiographer reporting: A literature review to support cancer workforce planning in England. Radiography (Lond) 2019; 25:155-163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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