Radiographer knowledge and practice of paediatric radiation dose protocols in digital radiography in Gauteng

AWARENESS OF PAEDIATRIC RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION AND IMAGING PARAMETERS AMONG GROUP OF SRI LANKAN RADIOGRAPHERS

The present survey evaluated the level of awareness of radiological protection concepts and imaging parameters among Sri Lankan radiographers for the first time. The data were collected using an electronic questionnaire of 22 questions on demographic data, awareness of radiation protection concepts and imaging parameters. Only 84 out of 122 (68.8%) requested radiographers to return the questionnaire. More than 85% had ≥3 years of experience in the radiography field. The average scores for questions on best practices, imaging parameters and radiation protection were 75, 75.8 and 70.2%, respectively, with an overall score of 73.4%. Significant confusion existed on protective shielding, paediatric consenting capability, use of grids and excess X-ray field during paediatric radiography. Although the overall knowledge and awareness of participants on studied concepts were satisfactory, a continuous professional development credit system and implementation of a code of practice are required to improve the quality of radiography practice.

Australian student radiographers' experiences and perspectives in general paediatric medical imaging examinations

INTRODUCTION

Paediatric patients differ from adult patients with respect to anatomy, examination factors, behaviour, and intellectual development, requiring dedicated specialised knowledge and expertise. In the absence of a formal dedicated paediatric medical imaging subspecialty, this study undertook to understand student radiographers' experiences and perspectives on paediatric medical imaging.

METHODS

The study entailed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design entailed a 51-item closed and open-ended response questionnaire using a total sampling method. Data were collected from both under- and postgraduate student radiographers who undertook clinical placement. Data interpretation and analysis involved statistical analysis of close-ended questions and thematic analysis of open-ended questions.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 70%. Most participants acknowledged the importance of dedicated paediatric content as well as the theory content covered. The shortcoming in pre-placement practical component was overcome through varied approaches like observations and attempting through supervision whilst experiencing uncertainty, anxiety and felt unfair to risk the patient. As reported in literature like their qualified counterparts expressed similar challenges in technique adaptation, styles of interactions in gaining cooperation from both the children and parents. They also felt paediatric content and the practicals should be embedded throughout the course offering to not compromise the day-to-day service delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings iterate the importance paediatric imaging in the service delivery context. The importance of undertaking these examinations reliant on experiential learning is insufficient to bridge the gap of preparation prior to placement.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Collaborative academic and clinical radiography education will ensure that radiography students' dedicated specialised paediatric imaging knowledge and experience are enhanced.

Radiation Protection among South African Diagnostic Radiographers-A Mixed Method Study

ABSTRACT

Worldwide, radiographers' radiation protection practices vary. In South Africa, evidence of diagnostic radiographers' suboptimal radiation protection practices has been reported, but the reasons for these practices and suggestions to improve practices were lacking. Therefore, this study explored radiation protection among South African diagnostic radiographers. This study used an explanatory, sequential, mixed-method approach. Data were collected in three phases. Phase I, the quantitative phase, used an online questionnaire and respondents from Phase I interested in participating in Phase II, the qualitative phase, were interviewed, yielding 13 in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews. In Phase III, eight radiography managers co-constructed change strategies to optimize radiation protection in South Africa in two focus group interviews. Radiation protection was suboptimal despite diagnostic radiographers having a good attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control toward radiation protection and optimal radiation protection knowledge. Varying attitudes to radiation protection, lack of resources, and support from radiography management and healthcare teams contributed to suboptimal radiation protection practices. Radiography managers suggested increasing radiation protection awareness, ameliorating the diminished stature of the radiographer in the healthcare team, and increasing the availability of optimal quality resources. South African diagnostic radiographers' radiation protection knowledge was optimal, but the implementation of radiation protection varied and was influenced by multiple factors. A radiation protection culture supported by management is advocated to optimize radiation protection. However, ultimately radiation protection practices are incumbent on the individual radiographers' choice to practice radiation protection.

Using the theory of planned behaviour to determine radiation protection among South African diagnostic radiographers: a cross-sectional survey

INTRODUCTION

The use of ionising radiation in medicine accounts for the majority of radiation exposure from artificial sources. Therefore, all measures to safeguard against unnecessary radiation exposure must be taken. As radiographers are central to radiation protection, this study aimed to determine South African radiographers' attitude towards radiation protection, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control concerning radiation protection.

METHODS

This quantitative cross-sectional study used an online theory of a planned behaviour radiation protection questionnaire shared through social media platforms from August 2019 to February 2020. Diagnostic radiographers registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and employed at radiology departments in South Africa were invited to participate in the study.

RESULTS

Four hundred and seventeen radiographers in South Africa responded to the questionnaire. The majority of respondents (90%, n = 376) plan to use radiation protection; however, only 16% continuously used radiation protection in the past. Respondents felt that using radiation protection was extremely good (72.2%), pleasant (47%), beneficial (74.1%), rewarding (55.2%) and worth the time (52.5%); 57% of respondents indicated that using radiation protection takes longer to complete the examination. Respondents report that approval from patients (43.5%), patients' family (32%), radiographer coworkers (31%), radiology managers (47%) and radiologists (43.9%) is very much important to them.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that even though fewer respondents use radiation protection at present, most respondents plan and intend to use radiation protection measures. Respondents felt that radiation protection was good and beneficial, with some respondents feeling that radiation protection is not worth the time, which coincide with lengthening the examination. Overall, South African radiographers' attitudes towards radiation protection, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and radiation protection intention were high.

South African radiographers' radiation protection practices, a qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Radiation protection is multifarious, and consequently, a radiographers' application of radiation protection is multifaceted. Studies have shown varying radiation protection practices among radiographers. The first quantitative phase of this explanatory, sequential mixed-method study used the theory of planned behaviour to explore South African radiographers' radiation protection behaviour. Overall, South African radiographers' attitudes to radiation protection, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and radiation protection intention was high. This second phase of the study aimed to explore the reasons for South African radiographers' radiation protection practices.

METHODS

This study used an exploratory and descriptive qualitative approach. Data was collected through 13 in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews. Thematic analysis was used in order to uncover original phenomena. Data saturation was achieved and the study adhered to trustworthiness and ethical measures.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis identified two themes. The participants had the appropriate radiation protection knowledge, but radiation protection compliance remained a personal choice. Impediments such as feeling rushed during imaging of trauma and challenging patients, patients knowledge of radiation protection, resources, imaging referrals, inadequate training when transitioning from analogue to digital radiography and managerial support contributed to radiation protection compliance. Strategies such as further education, research and a change in mindset were suggested to further foster radiation protection compliance.

CONCLUSION

Even though participants' knowledge of radiation protection aligned with the legislated guidelines, limited internalising of the knowledge resulted in compliance being a personal choice. Participants reflected on their insouciant attitude and observed a similar attitude in their radiographer colleagues. Patient and work-related impediments were identified to contribute to radiation protection compliance. Strategies to further foster compliance were suggested.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Understanding the reasons for radiographers' choice in radiation protection will allow the development of strategies that foster optimum application of radiation protection practises. Developing a radiation protection culture that enhances personal compliance supported by education and evidence should be considered.

Diagnostic radiography students' experiences of a practical method demonstrating the effect of milliampere-second in digital X-ray imaging systems

BACKGROUND

The effect of exposure technique factors varies between analogue and digital X-ray imaging systems (DR). Understanding these variations is paramount to optimising radiation protection, yet radiographers are unclear about these effects. A practical method to demonstrate milliampere second (mAs) effect in DR was developed to assist diagnostic radiography students in understanding exposure technique factors in DR.

OBJECTIVES

To explore second-year diagnostic radiography students' experiences of a practical method to demonstrate the effect of mAs in DR.

METHODS

A qualitative research approach employing an open-ended questionnaire explored second-year diagnostic radiography students' experiences of the practical method demonstrating the effect of mAs in DR. Twenty students participated in the study, and the data collected underwent thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Students appreciated working in small groups and provided suggestions to improve the practical method's instruction sheet. Most students' predicted outcome differed from the actual outcome of the demonstration. Seeing and documenting the effect of mAs in DR not only enhanced students' understanding of it but showed the implications of increasing mAs on image quality and radiation exposure.

CONCLUSION

Students found that the practical method enhanced their understanding of mAs and exposure technique factors in DR. Additionally, the practical method highlighted exposure creep in DR and radiographers' role in protecting patients from overexposure to ionising radiation in the digital era.