Patients', radiographers' and radiography students' experiences of 360° virtual counselling environment for the coronary computed tomography angiography: A qualitative study

Reduction of metal artefacts from bilateral hip prostheses during lower extremity computed tomography angiography: an experimental phantom study

INTRODUCTION

Image quality reduction due to metallic artefacts is a significant challenge during vascular computed tomography (CT) imaging of the lower extremities in patients with hip prostheses. This study aims to analyse various reconstruction algorithms' ability to reduce metal artefacts due to two types of hip prostheses during lower extremity CT angiography examinations.

METHODS

A pelvis phantom was fabricated with the insertion of a tube filled with contrast media to simulate the femoral artery, and the phantom was then CT scanned with and without hip prostheses. Multimodal images were acquired using different kilovoltage peak (kVp) settings and reconstructed with different algorithms, such as filtered back projection (FBP), iterative reconstruction (iDose4), iterative model-based reconstruction (IMR) and orthopaedic metal artefact reduction (O-MAR). Image quality was assessed based on image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and Hounsfield unit (HU) deviation.

RESULTS

The IMR approach significantly improved image quality compared to iDose4 and FBP. For the vascular region, O-MAR improves SNR by 5 ± 1, 23 ± 5 and 42 ± 9 for FBP, iDose4 and IMR respectively, and improves HU precision towards the baseline values by 49% and 83% for FBP and IMR, respectively. The noise reduction was 71% and 89% for FBP and IMR, and 57% for iDose4. O-MAR greatly enhances SNR corrections among the most severe artefacts, with 29 ± 1 and 43 ± 4 for FBP and IMR, compared to iDose4 by 37 ± 7.

CONCLUSION

IMR combined with O-MAR could improve the CT angiography of the lower extremities of patients with a hip prosthesis.

"I think this could be a big success" - A mixed methods study on practitioner perspectives on the acceptance of a virtual reality tool for preparation in MRI

INTRODUCTION

A key part of a radiographer's role within MRI is providing the required emotional support to help patients succeed with a scan. Being informed is important; whilst information leaflets and videos are commonly used, these can be limited in their representation of the experience. Virtual reality tools are being shown to reasonably replicate a scan experience, having a positive impact on patient satisfaction and anxiety. The aim was to obtain the views of practitioners on the use and implementation of such a tool in practice.

METHODS

A mixed methods study was conducted looking at the use of a virtual scan experience for patients prior to MRI. Nine radiographers attended two focus group sessions to see the tool and undergo a virtual experience. Following this, a survey based on the technology acceptance model was completed along with a semi-structured discussion about its use.

RESULTS

Perceived usefulness, ease of use, attitude and intention to use were all positive towards the virtual scan tool. All practitioners saw value in such a tool and how it could be implemented within practice, highlighting areas for improvement and development.

CONCLUSION

The practitioner's perspective was that access to such a virtual scan experience could be of use to better prepare and support those patients needing extra support before a real scan. Acknowledgement of having time to discuss patient concerns was noted and this could provide a means of doing so away from busy scanning lists whilst not taking up additional time.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Use of VR tools could be a conduit through which trust and rapport are built in advance away from busy scanning lists, thereby not impacting on operational throughput and hindering efficiency.

Effects of a 360° virtual counselling environment on patient anxiety and CCTA process time: A randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated whether a 360° virtual counselling environment (360°VCE) was more effective at decreasing patients' anxiety than routine standard of care counselling for patients undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), and if there was any difference in the process times for both of these groups.

METHODS

A total of 86 patients underwent CCTA in this randomised controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The 360°VCE was developed using spherical panoramic images and non-immersive 360° technology. The primary outcome, anxiety, was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The secondary outcome, CCTA process time, was measured from the time of arrival in the department until end of examination.

RESULTS

Pre-scan anxiety was lower among patients in the 360°VCE group immediately before CCTA in comparison to patients in the control group (p = 0.015). Women demonstrated higher levels of anxiety than men in both groups. No between-group differences were discerned in CCTA process time.

CONCLUSION

Access to 360°VCE can reduce patients' pre-CCTA anxiety levels.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The presented results can be used to improve patient counselling and care, reduce anxiety among patients undergoing CCTA, and optimise the CCTA examination procedure.

Simulation-based education for medical radiation students: A scoping review

Simulation-based education is a significant aspect of teaching clinical skills in tertiary medical radiation science programmes, allowing students to experience the clinical setting in a safe environment. As an educational tool, simulation exists in many valid forms including role play, interprofessional simulation and virtual reality simulation. This scoping review looks at the current literature in this field to identify the evidence surrounding simulation-based education for medical radiation students. The purpose of this review is to provide an evidence-based guide for educators, identify gaps in the literature and suggest areas of future research. Data extraction was performed on 33 articles where the interventions could be categorised into either role play simulation, virtual simulation, simulation videos or online learning environments. Most studies demonstrated that simulation could improve clinical competence and increase preparedness and confidence for clinical placement. Student satisfaction remained high throughout the studies; however, it is the view of many that although simulation-based education is a valid and effective tool, it is complementary to and not a replacement for clinical placement.