Search

This study aims to investigate the flipped classroom's (FC) impact on the development of radiology students' soft skills (SS). Thirty students participated a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test for a single group while taking the visceral imaging module in the third semester of the 2022 to 2023 academic year. After the FC was implemented, adaptability, continuous learning, communication, creativity, stress management, initiative, decision-making, reasoning, concern for results, teamwork and the average SS score significantly increased, along with student satisfaction and participation in learning activities. Furthermore, online resources, online quizzes before the session, and the generalization of FC to other training institutes were useful according to 90%, 80%, and 77% of participants, respectively. The FC had a positive effect on SS development and on satisfaction and participation. Further studies may investigate this impact in other nursing, health technology, medical, and nonmedical courses. • FC is an innovative teaching strategy in nursing and health technology training. • SS in nursing and radiology are particularly important. • FC use increases the average SS score. • Student satisfaction and participation increased in FC learning activities. • Online resources/quizzes and other institutes' generalization of FC use are useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiographers' profession is constantly evolving, which demands adaptation of education and training programs to build up medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals (MIRTPs) that provide healthcare to improve patient experience and outcomes. This study aimed to map radiographers' practices, competences, and autonomy level in Western Switzerland. Data was collected by 2 cross-sectional online surveys targeting Alumni, radiographers, clinical placement tutors and medical imaging equipment specialists from industry, with opened and closed-end questions. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. 81 Alumni and 93 Chief-Radiographers, clinical tutors, practitioner-radiographers and industry answered the questionnaires. The competences considered as the most "acquired or completely acquired" by the Alumni were: adopt a reflective posture on practice (90.1 %; 73/81), adopt ethical behaviour (90.1 %; 73/81), carrying out and providing radiological services for diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive purposes (81.5 %; 68/81), adapting communication to the other surrounding persons (81.5 %; 66/81), and check compliance of procedures with standards (69.1 %; 56/81). Similar results were referred by Employers. The autonomy of the participant radiographers was considered as average, and it focuses only the preparation of the patient and the protocol optimisation. The development and integration of research is weak as well as the application of competences regarding professionalism. A better link between educational institutions and clinical practice can help on the integration of research and evidence-based on practice, necessary to progress the radiographers' profession in Western Switzerland. The autonomy needs to be further developed and leadership courses must be integrated in the curricula to facilitate the implementation of new approaches to reinforce radiographer's profession. Practice must be revised to integrate evidence-based; to facilitate research development, the managers need to increase support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To investigate determinants of radiation safety culture among radiologic technologists to determine whether factors related to the primary imaging modality affect the perception of workplace radiation safety. Methods A secondary analysis was performed on deidentified data from 425 radiologic technologists collected with the Radiation Actions and Dimensions of Radiation Safety (RADS) questionnaire, a 35-item survey with valid and reliable psychometric properties. The data included radiologic technologists working in radiography, computed tomography (CT), and mammography. Descriptive statistics were used to report RADS determinant outcomes by imaging discipline, and 1-way analysis of variance and Games-Howell post hoc tests were conducted to analyze the hypothesis. Results Mean differences in the radiologic technologists' perceptions of teamwork across imaging stakeholders pertaining to radiation safety were found (P < .001). Mammographers had the most favorable perceptions of teamwork compared with radiographers and CT technologists. Discussion Collaboration in mammography between imaging stakeholders is dictated by professional practice standards and federal law. The resultant engagement might influence mammographers' perceptions of radiation safety. Additional research is warranted to determine if perception differences exist among technologists in other modalities and whether intentional collaboration drives improved perceptions of radiation safety culture. Conclusion An analysis of the collaborative actions in the mammography department is needed, and the findings could be applied in radiography and CT to improve perceptions of radiation safety--related teamwork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To determine whether radiologic technologists' perceptions of determinants of radiation safety culture differ significantly based on their primary role. Methods A secondary analysis of deidentified data from 425 radiologic technologists who participated in the Radiation Actions and Dimensions of Radiation Safety questionnaire, a 35-item survey with valid and reliable psychometric properties, was performed. Nine determinants (dependent variables) of radiation safety culture were analyzed in this study. The radiologic technologists worked primarily as staff technologists; shift, team, or modality leads; and managers or directors. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze differences in favorability for the determinants of radiation safety culture by primary role. Games-Howell post hoc tests were conducted to analyze the hypothesis for each determinant. Results Four determinants demonstrated significant differences with appropriate observed power between staff technologists, leads, and managers and directors: questioning attitude (P < .001), feedback loops (P < .001), leadership actions (P < .001), and nonpunitive response (P < .001). Discussion The findings indicate that dialogue is needed between all stakeholders to improve the radiation safety culture and that power imbalances caused by the hierarchical system should be considered when seeking to improve the safety culture. Conclusion Positional hierarchies in the medical imaging profession affect the perception of radiation safety, with managers and directors having different perceptions of leadership actions, questioning attitudes, feedback loops, and nonpunitive responses than staff technologists. Therefore, radiologic technologist subgroups must be included purposefully in the process of establishing a radiation safety culture in the imaging department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami that occurred in March 2011 not only resulted in the loss of many human lives due to earthquakes and tsunamis, but also led to the occurrence of nuclear accidents involving the widespread diffuse release of radioactive materials at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP). The nuclear accident created great apprehension among residents of the Fukushima Prefecture, where the FDNPP is located, and residents of Northeastern Japan outside of Fukushima, such as the south region of the Miyagi Prefecture, which is adjacent to the northern part of Fukushima Prefecture. The Miyagi Prefecture is located approximately 50 to 120 km from the FDNPP. In Miyagi before the nuclear accident, nuclear disaster drills including respondent to residents' anxieties had been conducted at Onagawa Town, Ishinomaki City and prefectural office, and radiologic technologists had participated in the drills. In the face of the actual nuclear disaster, radiologic technologists carried out personalized consultation activities with the aim of eliminating anxiety among pregnant women and parents with infants at two local governments in the south region of Miyagi. After the activities, we conducted questionnaire survey on the activities, and were able to obtain evaluations and various opinions. This paper discusses regarding the efforts to personalized consultation and the results of questionnaire survey conducted by the radiologic technologists in the southern Miyagi following the FDNPP accident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To examine the various facets of job satisfaction among radiographers in Saudi Arabia and compare the influential contributing factors locally and internationally. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June and July 2020 with an electronic questionnaire distributed to radiographers in Saudi Arabia. The validated Job Satisfaction Survey was used to measure overall job satisfaction and specific satisfaction regarding pay, promotions, supervision, benefits, contingent rewards, operating conditions, coworkers, nature of work, and communication (total Job Satisfaction Survey score can range from 36 to 216). Additional personal and work-related characteristics were collected as explanatory variables. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics, including 1-way analysis of variance, independent sample t test, and Spearman correlation. Results A total of 412 radiographers in Saudi Arabia completed the survey. The total job satisfaction score was 140.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 138.7-141.2), showing that 6 respondents (1.5%) were dissatisfied with their job, while the remaining majority were neutral (63%) or satisfied (36%). The radiographers were satisfied with the nature of work, contingent rewards, and coworkers. However, they were less satisfied with promotions, pay, operating conditions, and benefits. The only significant variable in overall job satisfaction was the working sector (P = .03), with radiographers working at Ministry of Health hospitals who were more satisfied than were their colleagues who worked at other types of facilities. Discussion The radiographers in Saudi Arabia had higher overall job satisfaction than had other allied health science professionals in Saudi Arabia. The differences in job satisfaction subscales between radiographers from different countries suggest that their job satisfaction likely is related to culture and socioeconomics. Job satisfaction improvement programs should be tailored for each radiographer's community. Conclusion Radiographers in Saudi Arabia expressed moderate to high job satisfaction, which is relatively higher than their international peers and national colleagues in physical therapy and nursing. These job satisfaction results call for governmental policymakers to focus their efforts on improving radiographer promotion schemes and career development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To explore self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms in radiographers registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in the United States. There is a gap in the literature focusing on the unique set of risk factors for radiographers. Methods A subset of ARRT radiographers received an email invitation to complete an online survey that included questions about their experience with musculoskeletal symptoms and their exposure to potential risk factors for those symptoms. Results Out of the 635 ARRT credentialed, nonretired radiographers who completed the survey, 81% reported experiencing pain or discomfort while performing patient cases. Through logistic regression statistical modeling, a set of 4 personal factors (including poorer perceptions of health and sleep quality), 1 work demographic factor (working in fluoroscopy), and 3 psychosocial work factors (including perceptions of higher physically demanding workload and work pressure and stress) were identified in differentiating radiographers who experience pain or discomfort when performing patient cases from those who do not. Discussion Consistent with prior research, these results indicate multiple work-related factors, including physical and psychosocial work factors, appear to be associated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in radiographers. Ideas for addressing these risk factors are discussed, as well as opportunities for radiography managers and academics to collaborate in evaluating the effectiveness of intervention ideas when deployed in practice. Conclusion Although this study is cross-sectional, these results can be used to inform intervention efforts, such as limiting or rotating work duties in fluoroscopy, reducing other physically demanding aspects of work, addressing understaffing, which increases work pressure in many ways, and promoting employee self-care practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To determine the perceptions among radiographers of visible tattoos and nontraditional body piercings (piercings other than traditional pierced earlobes) in the clinical setting. Methods An institutional review board--approved survey was delivered electronically to radiography clinical preceptors working at hospitals affiliated with a radiography program in the South Central part of the United States. Discussion board forum posts about the survey were created in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Communities, targeting radiographers throughout the United States. Responses were collected for 4 weeks and compared quantitatively using linear regression, logistic regression, and chi-square analysis. Qualitative results were examined for themes, and proportions among themes were reported. Results A total of 943 valid responses were received from radiographers working in the United States. Acceptance of body art was lower among individuals without tattoos compared with those who have tattoos (P < .001). Individuals without piercings had a lower acceptance of piercings compared with those who have piercings (P < .001). Acceptance was lower for those who have tattoos but cover them at work compared with those who have visible tattoos at work (P < .001). Acceptance was not statistically significant among those who have piercings who cover them compared with those who have visible nontraditional piercings at work (P < .073). Respondents believed it was more acceptable for members of the public to display a tattoo than for radiographers to display a tattoo at work (P < .001). However, acceptability was higher (P < .001) when the radiographer's tattoo was medically related. Discussion Research links visible body art with negative perceptions of professionalism and skill set ability in other professions, but no studies have addressed radiography. This study reflects findings similar to those professions. A negative perception exists among radiographers regarding the display of body art while working, even among those who have body art. However, the subject of a tattoo might matter more than the location of a tattoo in terms of acceptability. These results have implications for the credibility and appropriateness of radiographers who display body art in the clinical setting because it might adversely affect the perceptions of co-workers and the perceptions of patient care provided during imaging services, and might affect hospital policy management. Conclusion Among radiographers working in the United States, a negative perception exists regarding visible body art such as tattoos and nontraditional piercings in the health care setting. Implications include negative perceptions of radiographers displaying body art while working. Future research might influence policy implementation as hospitals work to continually improve satisfaction scores and perceptions of care received. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard precautions are part of the infection control basis to protect radiology technologists from COVID-19 and other infections to prevent transmission from patient to patient and from healthcare workers to healthcare workers. This study ascertains the relationship between the standard practices and attitudes of radiologic technologists in handling COVID-19 patients. A quantitative-correlational design as used to specifically determine the standard precaution practices and attitudes of 46 radiologic technologists in the affiliated hospitals of the university, and the relationship of the two variables. Google form was used to gather data using the WHO Standard Precautions Protocol, which underwent pilot testing and a Cronbach alpha value of.804. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Pearson-r correlation. The study revealed that radiologic technologists' have high level of practices (μ=2.97 ±.0694) and attitude (μ=2.97 ±.824) in standard precaution. No significant difference was revealed in the standard precaution practices of radiologic technologists when grouped according to gender, years of service, age, and hospital type, Furthermore, no significant difference was revealed in the attitudes of radiologic technologist when grouped according to years of service, age, and hospital type, however, a significant difference was observed when the radiologic technologists were grouped according to gender (t (46) =2.04, p=.048) with female radiologic technologists having higher attitude (x̄=2.99, SD=.0253) on standard precautions than male radiologic technologists (x̄=2.94, SD=.0118). Overall, a high-positive correlation (r=.855, p=0.001) was revealed between the standard precaution practices and attitudes of radiologic technologists in handling COVID-19 patients. There exist a good practice and good attitude in standard precaution of Radiologic technologists in handling COVID-19 patients and a very high-positive relationship between the two variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Care of transgender patients presents a unique challenge to nurses, technologists, physicians, and unlicensed assistive personnel in any health care setting, including radiology arenas. If staff are unaware of health concerns that are unique to this population, then the staff are at a great disadvantage in their quest to provide high-quality patient care. This article will provide the reader a better understanding of the transgender population and will allow staff to practice with confidence and competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To describe research methodology and findings concerning radiography students' learning. Methods Health sciences databases were searched to perform a traditional narrative literature review. Thirty-five peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2014 were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Specific methods of learning were found to be of the most interest. The studies focused primarily on the use and usability of a method or the students' general experiences of it. The most commonly studied methods were e-learning and interprofessional learning, which students perceived as positive methods for theoretical studies and clinical training. Students' learning regarding research was the focus of only one article reporting a wide variety of students' research interests. Most studies reported quantitative research gathered from questionnaires and surveys. Conclusions Additional research, especially from a qualitative point of view, is needed to deepen the evidence-based knowledge of radiography student learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]