Radiographer knowledge and practice of paediatric radiation dose protocols in digital radiography in Gauteng
- Authors: Moolman, Nicole
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical - Digital techniques , Pediatric radiography , Pediatric diagnostic imaging , Radiography, Medical
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/296935 , uj:32359
- Description: M.Tech. (Radiography) , Abstract: The advent of digital radiography (DR) poses the risk of unnoticed increases in patient dose. Radiological imaging of paediatric patients is extremely valuable however; special considerations need to be taken into account. The increased radiation sensitivity of growing organs and longer life expectancy, make paediatric patients more susceptible to the harmful effects of radiation. In order to prevent harmful effects of ionising radiation, the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle should be adhered to. Although advancements in DR have the potential to reduce patient dose, lack of knowledge will result in the overexposure of paediatric patients. Radiographers must be prepared for the technological advancements in radiography and must be adequately trained. The outcome of radiography training programmes should be for radiographers to evolve within the profession and become problem-solvers within the departments. This study sought to answer the question: What is the level of knowledge and practice of radiographers regarding paediatric radiation doses and exposure indices in digital radiography?” The aim of this quantitative non-experimental, descriptive study was to explore and describe the knowledge and practice of radiographers regarding paediatric DR dose protocols in Gauteng. This study was guided by three objectives: (1) to assess the knowledge of radiographers regarding paediatric radiation dose protocols in DR, (2) to determine if this knowledge translates into safe radiation practice according to international guidelines and (3) to develop best practice DR protocols guidelines in minimising paediatric dose. A quantitative, descriptive research approach using a questionnaire with both open-ended and closed questions was utilised. Diagnostic radiographers in Gauteng, South Africa were included in this study. Sixty-five questionnaires were administered and 61 were returned, which is a 94% response rate. The study was conducted at six radiology departments in Gauteng, which comprised both private and public practices. The findings of this study indicate that the participants had knowledge of paediatric radiation dose protocols and exposure index (EI); however, there is a dire need for training protocols to be...
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- Authors: Moolman, Nicole
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical - Digital techniques , Pediatric radiography , Pediatric diagnostic imaging , Radiography, Medical
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/296935 , uj:32359
- Description: M.Tech. (Radiography) , Abstract: The advent of digital radiography (DR) poses the risk of unnoticed increases in patient dose. Radiological imaging of paediatric patients is extremely valuable however; special considerations need to be taken into account. The increased radiation sensitivity of growing organs and longer life expectancy, make paediatric patients more susceptible to the harmful effects of radiation. In order to prevent harmful effects of ionising radiation, the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle should be adhered to. Although advancements in DR have the potential to reduce patient dose, lack of knowledge will result in the overexposure of paediatric patients. Radiographers must be prepared for the technological advancements in radiography and must be adequately trained. The outcome of radiography training programmes should be for radiographers to evolve within the profession and become problem-solvers within the departments. This study sought to answer the question: What is the level of knowledge and practice of radiographers regarding paediatric radiation doses and exposure indices in digital radiography?” The aim of this quantitative non-experimental, descriptive study was to explore and describe the knowledge and practice of radiographers regarding paediatric DR dose protocols in Gauteng. This study was guided by three objectives: (1) to assess the knowledge of radiographers regarding paediatric radiation dose protocols in DR, (2) to determine if this knowledge translates into safe radiation practice according to international guidelines and (3) to develop best practice DR protocols guidelines in minimising paediatric dose. A quantitative, descriptive research approach using a questionnaire with both open-ended and closed questions was utilised. Diagnostic radiographers in Gauteng, South Africa were included in this study. Sixty-five questionnaires were administered and 61 were returned, which is a 94% response rate. The study was conducted at six radiology departments in Gauteng, which comprised both private and public practices. The findings of this study indicate that the participants had knowledge of paediatric radiation dose protocols and exposure index (EI); however, there is a dire need for training protocols to be...
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Knowledge of medical students on the use of ionizing radiation, its associated risks and their readiness to prescribe diagnostic imaging procedures in Zambia
- Authors: Siwila, Boster Dearson
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Ionizing radiation , Radiography, Medical , Diagnostic imaging , Medical students - Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/58571 , uj:16464
- Description: Abstract: The use of ionizing radiation in diagnostic medical imaging procedures has been found to aid in the diagnosis of diseases. However, the associated risks due to stochastic and non-stochastic effects make it necessary to protect patients from potential harm. It is therefore important for the referring medical doctor to acquire appropriate and accurate knowledge on the risks and benefits of ionizing radiation. This knowledge could be acquired at the undergraduate level of medical school training. This study explored and described the knowledge of final year Zambian medical students on the use of ionizing radiation, the associated risks thereof and their readiness to justify and prescribe imaging procedures once qualified. A convenient non-probability sampling technique was used in which all final year medical students were invited to participate. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 20.0 in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 58 final year medical students participated in the study and the results indicated that 48 (83%) were male and 10 (17%) were female. Twenty-four (41.4%) participants did not know what ionizing radiation is associated with in terms of the different types of electromagnetic radiation. Fifty-one (91.4%) participants did not understand the meaning of stochastic and non-stochastic effects and only five (8.6%) participants understood the meaning of these terms. A high number of participants (81.0%) responded that knowing radiation doses to the patient when referring patients for diagnostic imaging procedures was very important, 46 (79.3%) participants noted that it was a necessity to consider radiation exposure when referring patients. Forty-five (77.6%) participants responded that they were not aware of any laws governing ionizing radiation in Zambia. The results implied that despite the high risks associated with the use of ionizing radiation, the knowledge levels of the medical students was insufficient. Therefore a model of referral imaging guidelines was developed as a proposal to minimize the knowledge gap. It is suggested that apart from incorporating these guidelines in the medical curriculum, the syllabus should be revised and a course on radiation... , M.Tech. (Radiography)
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- Authors: Siwila, Boster Dearson
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Ionizing radiation , Radiography, Medical , Diagnostic imaging , Medical students - Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/58571 , uj:16464
- Description: Abstract: The use of ionizing radiation in diagnostic medical imaging procedures has been found to aid in the diagnosis of diseases. However, the associated risks due to stochastic and non-stochastic effects make it necessary to protect patients from potential harm. It is therefore important for the referring medical doctor to acquire appropriate and accurate knowledge on the risks and benefits of ionizing radiation. This knowledge could be acquired at the undergraduate level of medical school training. This study explored and described the knowledge of final year Zambian medical students on the use of ionizing radiation, the associated risks thereof and their readiness to justify and prescribe imaging procedures once qualified. A convenient non-probability sampling technique was used in which all final year medical students were invited to participate. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 20.0 in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 58 final year medical students participated in the study and the results indicated that 48 (83%) were male and 10 (17%) were female. Twenty-four (41.4%) participants did not know what ionizing radiation is associated with in terms of the different types of electromagnetic radiation. Fifty-one (91.4%) participants did not understand the meaning of stochastic and non-stochastic effects and only five (8.6%) participants understood the meaning of these terms. A high number of participants (81.0%) responded that knowing radiation doses to the patient when referring patients for diagnostic imaging procedures was very important, 46 (79.3%) participants noted that it was a necessity to consider radiation exposure when referring patients. Forty-five (77.6%) participants responded that they were not aware of any laws governing ionizing radiation in Zambia. The results implied that despite the high risks associated with the use of ionizing radiation, the knowledge levels of the medical students was insufficient. Therefore a model of referral imaging guidelines was developed as a proposal to minimize the knowledge gap. It is suggested that apart from incorporating these guidelines in the medical curriculum, the syllabus should be revised and a course on radiation... , M.Tech. (Radiography)
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A study to assess the ability of radiographers to apply pattern recognition criteria and interpret radiographs
- Authors: Hazell, Lynne Janette
- Date: 2013-12-09
- Subjects: Pattern perception , Radiography, Medical , Medical personnel - Training of
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7843 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8738
- Description: M.Tech. (Radiography (Diagnostic)) , In order to meet the needs of the country South African radiographers need to become multi skilled radiographers. Empowering diagnostic radiographers with pattern recognition skills to enable them to comment on images could address the problem in many South African departments where a shortage of radiologists’ results in delayed reports or no reports to referring doctors. The research assessed the ability of qualified diagnostic radiographers in two Gauteng Government Hospital’s to apply pattern recognition and provide a comment on a radiograph after training in musculoskeletal pattern recognition. The study employed a pre- and post-test model with an intervention which comprised training of radiographers in musculoskeletal pattern recognition. The post- test results showed a significant improvement in the accuracy of identifying abnormal images and the comments provided were more complete than before training. Thus the intervention was successful in improving the ability of the radiographers to recognize normal and abnormal images, however, the training would need to be more extensive for an accurate comment to be provided on musculoskeletal images.
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- Authors: Hazell, Lynne Janette
- Date: 2013-12-09
- Subjects: Pattern perception , Radiography, Medical , Medical personnel - Training of
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7843 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8738
- Description: M.Tech. (Radiography (Diagnostic)) , In order to meet the needs of the country South African radiographers need to become multi skilled radiographers. Empowering diagnostic radiographers with pattern recognition skills to enable them to comment on images could address the problem in many South African departments where a shortage of radiologists’ results in delayed reports or no reports to referring doctors. The research assessed the ability of qualified diagnostic radiographers in two Gauteng Government Hospital’s to apply pattern recognition and provide a comment on a radiograph after training in musculoskeletal pattern recognition. The study employed a pre- and post-test model with an intervention which comprised training of radiographers in musculoskeletal pattern recognition. The post- test results showed a significant improvement in the accuracy of identifying abnormal images and the comments provided were more complete than before training. Thus the intervention was successful in improving the ability of the radiographers to recognize normal and abnormal images, however, the training would need to be more extensive for an accurate comment to be provided on musculoskeletal images.
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Evaluating the use of detector dose indicators in digital x-ray imaging systems
- Authors: Lewis, Shantel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical , Radiography, Medical - Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/285786 , uj:30912
- Description: M.Tech. (Radiography) , Abstract: Detector dose indicators (DDIs) are the only indicators of correct exposure technique in digital X-ray imaging systems but the use of such indicators remains largely unexplored in a South African setting. The study investigated radiographers’ familiarity with and use of the DDI and compared the actual DDIs obtained in practice to the manufacturers’ recommended standards. This provided insight into current exposure technique practices in the South African setting. An explorative and descriptive quantitative study was conducted in two phases at randomly selected radiography clinical training facilities (n = 10). Phase 1 of the study investigated the radiographers’ familiarity with and use of the DDI (n=105) at selected sites by means of a questionnaire. In phase 2 of the study actual DDI values were collected retrospectively from the same sites and compared to the manufacturers’ recommended standards (n= 1422). 54.3% of respondents had a correct understanding of DDI and 55.7% used the DDI correctly. Of the 1 422 retrospectively collected actual DDI values, only 50% of DDI were within the manufacturers’ recommended range and 27% indicated overexposure. An observable lack of familiarity with and the questionable use of the DDI by radiographers, coupled with some evidence of overexposure in the clinical setting suggests that improvements could be made to the training radiographers’ receive on digital x-ray imaging systems. Moreover, retrospective auditing of the DDI is advocated as a dose optimisation, radiation protection and quality improvement strategy in clinical departments in a South African setting.
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- Authors: Lewis, Shantel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical , Radiography, Medical - Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/285786 , uj:30912
- Description: M.Tech. (Radiography) , Abstract: Detector dose indicators (DDIs) are the only indicators of correct exposure technique in digital X-ray imaging systems but the use of such indicators remains largely unexplored in a South African setting. The study investigated radiographers’ familiarity with and use of the DDI and compared the actual DDIs obtained in practice to the manufacturers’ recommended standards. This provided insight into current exposure technique practices in the South African setting. An explorative and descriptive quantitative study was conducted in two phases at randomly selected radiography clinical training facilities (n = 10). Phase 1 of the study investigated the radiographers’ familiarity with and use of the DDI (n=105) at selected sites by means of a questionnaire. In phase 2 of the study actual DDI values were collected retrospectively from the same sites and compared to the manufacturers’ recommended standards (n= 1422). 54.3% of respondents had a correct understanding of DDI and 55.7% used the DDI correctly. Of the 1 422 retrospectively collected actual DDI values, only 50% of DDI were within the manufacturers’ recommended range and 27% indicated overexposure. An observable lack of familiarity with and the questionable use of the DDI by radiographers, coupled with some evidence of overexposure in the clinical setting suggests that improvements could be made to the training radiographers’ receive on digital x-ray imaging systems. Moreover, retrospective auditing of the DDI is advocated as a dose optimisation, radiation protection and quality improvement strategy in clinical departments in a South African setting.
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Knowledge, attitude and awareness of the community about medical radiation in Tanzania
- Authors: Mkoloma, Stephen Samson
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical physics , Radiography, Medical
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/399808 , uj:33339
- Description: Abstract : Introduction Radiation technology at present is an undeniable challenge and attraction to all who realize the quality of images this technology can produce. It is, however, a fact that radiation may cause harm to cells due to its ionisation power, which may cause biological changes. Literature has, in instances, identified that the community is bewildered by possible radiation hazards because they do not know that medical radiation administered is kept as low as reasonably achievable in such a way that all undesired biological changes are minimized. Research has shown that clinicians who carry a great responsibility in helping patients with their queries and anxieties about the risks of medical radiation possess limited knowledge about radiation risks and radiation protection. The lack of knowledge of medical radiation in terms of the benefits of medical radiation and sensitivity to possible risk may cause a barrier for appropriate clinical decisions. Aims and Objects This research aimed at establishing the knowledge, awareness and attitude of community members in Tanzania towards medical radiation. Clinicians, patients and household members were recruited for data collection. Patients are sometimes seen refusing to undergo radiation examination due to inadequate or possibly incorrect radiation information in hospital settings hence it is important to ascertain level of patirnts’, household mmbers’s and clinicians’ knowledge and awareness about medical radiation, and to assess attitude of patients and household members towards undergoing medical radiation examinations. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional design using a descriptive approach was used where a structured questionnaire was developed by the researcher using previous studies obtained through a literature review and in consultation with a statistician and supervisors. Pretest was done using identical variables as the main research to check for any difficulties that participant may encounter. Chi square and ANOVA tests were vi also done for determination of the significance and variance among the group memberships. Results Irrespective of group membership, it was found that the level of knowledge and awareness about medical radiation is low among the community members in Tanzania where 54% of patients and household members respectively were found to have low level of medical radiation knowledge while 60% of patients and 54% of household members were found with awareness below accepatable level. Patients and household members revealed that the majority had never been informed about radiation before attending hospitals for radiation based examinations. Furthermore, patients and household members showed a high attitude towards medical radiation where 70% of household members and 71% of patients were found positive towards undergoing medical radiation examinations despite the fact that their knowledge and awareness of medical radiation were found to be low. On the other hand, about 46.9% of Clinicians were found to have knowledge and awareness below accepatable level despite that radiology is a part subject in their medical school curriculum, 53.1% were above the acceptable level. In the same vein, 81.6% of clinicians were found to have acceptable awareness about medical radiation. Conclusion The community’s level of knowledge and awareness about medical radiation especially for clinicians is worrying. Despite that patient expressed acceptable level of positive attitude, it is important that clinicians who spend most of time in patient reviw and counselling are knowledgeable enough. The Medical Radiology and Imaging Professionals Council, Medical Council of Tanganyika, Tanzania Association of Radiographers, Tanzania Radiology Society, Medical Association of Tanzania and Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children as well as hospital management teams are to develop and implement policies that will educate the community on the use of medical radiation. Review of the curricula at Medical Universities in Tanzania to include sufficient information on radiation is recommended. , M.Tech. (Radiography)
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- Authors: Mkoloma, Stephen Samson
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical physics , Radiography, Medical
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/399808 , uj:33339
- Description: Abstract : Introduction Radiation technology at present is an undeniable challenge and attraction to all who realize the quality of images this technology can produce. It is, however, a fact that radiation may cause harm to cells due to its ionisation power, which may cause biological changes. Literature has, in instances, identified that the community is bewildered by possible radiation hazards because they do not know that medical radiation administered is kept as low as reasonably achievable in such a way that all undesired biological changes are minimized. Research has shown that clinicians who carry a great responsibility in helping patients with their queries and anxieties about the risks of medical radiation possess limited knowledge about radiation risks and radiation protection. The lack of knowledge of medical radiation in terms of the benefits of medical radiation and sensitivity to possible risk may cause a barrier for appropriate clinical decisions. Aims and Objects This research aimed at establishing the knowledge, awareness and attitude of community members in Tanzania towards medical radiation. Clinicians, patients and household members were recruited for data collection. Patients are sometimes seen refusing to undergo radiation examination due to inadequate or possibly incorrect radiation information in hospital settings hence it is important to ascertain level of patirnts’, household mmbers’s and clinicians’ knowledge and awareness about medical radiation, and to assess attitude of patients and household members towards undergoing medical radiation examinations. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional design using a descriptive approach was used where a structured questionnaire was developed by the researcher using previous studies obtained through a literature review and in consultation with a statistician and supervisors. Pretest was done using identical variables as the main research to check for any difficulties that participant may encounter. Chi square and ANOVA tests were vi also done for determination of the significance and variance among the group memberships. Results Irrespective of group membership, it was found that the level of knowledge and awareness about medical radiation is low among the community members in Tanzania where 54% of patients and household members respectively were found to have low level of medical radiation knowledge while 60% of patients and 54% of household members were found with awareness below accepatable level. Patients and household members revealed that the majority had never been informed about radiation before attending hospitals for radiation based examinations. Furthermore, patients and household members showed a high attitude towards medical radiation where 70% of household members and 71% of patients were found positive towards undergoing medical radiation examinations despite the fact that their knowledge and awareness of medical radiation were found to be low. On the other hand, about 46.9% of Clinicians were found to have knowledge and awareness below accepatable level despite that radiology is a part subject in their medical school curriculum, 53.1% were above the acceptable level. In the same vein, 81.6% of clinicians were found to have acceptable awareness about medical radiation. Conclusion The community’s level of knowledge and awareness about medical radiation especially for clinicians is worrying. Despite that patient expressed acceptable level of positive attitude, it is important that clinicians who spend most of time in patient reviw and counselling are knowledgeable enough. The Medical Radiology and Imaging Professionals Council, Medical Council of Tanganyika, Tanzania Association of Radiographers, Tanzania Radiology Society, Medical Association of Tanzania and Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children as well as hospital management teams are to develop and implement policies that will educate the community on the use of medical radiation. Review of the curricula at Medical Universities in Tanzania to include sufficient information on radiation is recommended. , M.Tech. (Radiography)
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