Search

The Radiography Research Ethics Standards for Europe (RRESFE) project aimed to provide a cross-sectional view of the current state of radiography research ethics across Europe. This included investigating education and training in research ethics, and identifying the key challenges and potential improvements associated with using existing research ethics frameworks. This cross-sectional online survey targeting radiography researchers in Europe was conducted between April 26 and July 12, 2021. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to identify research ethics education and training trends. Content analysis of qualitative responses was employed to identify significant challenges and proposed improvements in research ethics frameworks of practice. There were 232 responses received across 33 European countries. Most (n = 132; 57%) respondents had received some research ethics training; however, fewer participants had received training on safeguarding vulnerable patients (n = 72; 38%), diversity and inclusivity (n = 62; 33%), or research with healthy volunteers (n = 60; 32%). Training was associated with a greater perceived importance of the need for research ethics review (p = 0.031) and with the establishment of EQF Level 6 training (p = 0.038). The proportion of formally trained researchers also varied by region (p = <0.001). Time-to-ethics-approval was noted as the biggest challenge for professionals making research ethics applications. Early and universal integration of research-oriented teaching within the radiography education framework which emphasises research ethics is recommended. Additionally, study findings suggest research ethics committee application and approval processes could be further simplified and streamlined. The survey contributes to a growing body of knowledge surrounding the importance of education and training in research ethics for assuring a high standard of research outputs in Radiography and has identified hurdles to obtaining research ethics approval for further investigation and address. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Radiography Research Ethics Standards for Europe (RRESFE) project aims to provide a cross-sectional snapshot of current research ethics systems, processes, and awareness of such, across Europe together with identifying the associated challenges, education, and training needs. A cross-sectional online survey targeting radiography researchers in Europe was conducted. Data collection took place between April 26 and July 12, 2021, using a snowball sampling approach. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to identify trends in research ethics frameworks across Europe. 285 responses were received across 33 European and 23 non-European countries. Most (n = 221; 95%) European respondents stated ethics approval is required before commencing research in their country. Requirements around research ethics approval and awareness of such requirements varied by European region (X2 (2, n = 129) = 7.234, p = 0.013) and were found to differ depending on the type of research participant and study design. Additionally, European respondents reported ethics approval is a national requirement more often than their non-European counterparts (X2 (1, n = 282) = 4.316, p = 0.049). Requirements for ethics approval were also associated with the undergraduate programme duration (2-year vs. 3-year vs. 3.5 year vs. 4-year vs. multiple programme durations; X2 (4, n = 231) = 10.075, p = 0.016) and availability of postgraduate training (postgraduate training available vs. postgraduate training not available; X2 (1, n = 231) = 15.448, p = <0.001) within respondents' country. Respondents from countries with longer programme durations/availability of multiple programme lengths, availability of postgraduate training, and establishment of European Qualifications Framework Level 6 were generally associated with less uncertainty and more comprehensive research ethics requirements. Results are informative of the current status of research ethics within evidence-based radiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) guidance in trans-arterial chemoembolisation (TACE) procedures on the number of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) runs acquired and total patient radiation exposure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A retrospective, analytical cross-sectional, single institution, study was conducted. Dose data were compared across the control (DSA guidance alone) and study (DSA and CBCT guidance) groups. A total of 122 procedures were included within the study. There was a significant reduction in the number of DSA runs (3 vs 5, p < 0.001) and DSA air kerma-area product (PKA) (3077.3 vs 4276.6 μGym2, p = 0.042) for the study group when compared to the control group. Total procedural PKA and total procedural reference air kerma (Ka,r) were shown to be 50 and 73% higher, respectively, for the study group when compared to the control group. CBCT imaging guidance does reduce the number of DSA runs and DSA PKA required to complete the TACE procedure for patients diagnosed with HCC; however, a substantial increase in total procedural PKA is to be expected and it is thus important that this increased dose is carefully considered and justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) is a fluoroscopic examination conducted by radiographers and speech-language therapists (SLTs) to assess dysphagia. Given the potential of SLTs to feed patients during the procedure, they may be exposed to radiation. The research aimed to assess radiation protection practices utilised by SLTs to determine if radiographers have a role in providing ongoing practical education. An online questionnaire was distributed to SLTs from six countries (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States of America). Responses were analysed quantitatively using frequencies and chi-square analysis (p = 0.05) and supported by written comments. A total of 224 responses were analysed. Thyroid shields (94%) were used more frequently than full aprons (72%). Differences (p < 0.0001) were seen between Australian and USA participants regarding the use and position of radiation monitors; 43% of Australian participants stating they always used a monitor, compared to 75% of USA participants. Nearly all Australian SLTs wore monitors under shielding (92%) and at waist level (69%), while USA participants reported wearing them outside shielding (97%) and at thyroid level (94%). Participants' radiation practice was influenced primarily by other SLTs (64%), followed by radiographers (57%). However, written comments revealed the significance of the radiographer in providing training as " radiographers are excellent at ensuring we [use] right equipment, stand in the right places and use exposure monitoring ". SLTs did not always adopt the ICRP principle of shielding and there were inconsistencies with regards to the use and placement of radiation monitors. Radiographers are well positioned to provide advice with regards to safe practice. Opportunities to enhance radiation protection practices are evident, as is the advising role of radiographers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The use of cadavers for medical education purposes and for radiology research methodologies which involve subjective image quality evaluation of anatomical criteria is well documented. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of cadaver tissue preservation in producing MR images that are representative of living tissue by comparing the visualisation of anatomical structures of the ankle obtained from live and cadaver (fresh frozen and Thiel embalmed) specimens through a visual grading analysis (VGA) study. Methods A VGA study was conducted on an image data set consisting of 4 coronal proton density weighted (PDw) sequences obtained from ankles of a live patient and those of a cadaveric specimen, of which the right ankle was frozen and the left Thiel embalmed. Results Comparison of the image quality scores obtained from: the live patient vs. the Thiel specimen indicate a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) between the scores in favour of the Thiel specimen; between the live patient vs. the frozen specimen indicate a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in favour of the frozen specimen and between the frozen vs. the Thiel specimen indicate a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in favour of the Thiel specimen. Conclusions The advantages of the use of cadavers (frozen or Thiel embalmed) has been shown to also apply for use with proton density (PD) MR imaging. The preservation of cadavers especially using Thiel is a suitable alternative for MRI optimisation and protocol development purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify factors associated with shortened latency in expectantly managed women diagnosed with preeclampsia without severe features between 23 0/7 and 35 6/7weeks' gestation.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study performed at a large community-based hospital between 2009 and 2014, evaluating all mothers between 23 0/7 and 35 6/7weeks' gestation with a diagnosis of preeclampsia without severe features. We collected maternal demographics, symptoms, vital signs and laboratory values within six hours of admission. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were stratified by latency period of less than or greater than/equal to seven days (<7d or ⩾7d).Results: Overall mean latency was 7.6±12.1days. When stratifying subjects to <7d or ⩾7d latency, neither maternal demographics nor gestational age at diagnosis differed between groups. For subjects with ⩾7d latency, pregnancy was prolonged by a mean of 24days compared to the <7d latency group (34 1/7 vs 30 4/7weeks GA, P=0.001). Systolic blood pressure greater than 160mmHg within the first six hours of hospital presentation correlated with a more than 3-fold risk for requiring delivery within seven days of diagnosis (OR 3.26 95% CI 1.40-7.58).Conclusion: Within our cohort of preterm women admitted with preeclampsia without severe features, elevated systolic blood pressure on admission conveyed significant risk for delivery within seven days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate whether there is any difference in the presented image quality between a medical grade monitor and a "commercial off-the-shelf" (COTS) monitor when displaying an 8-bit dental image. Methods: The digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) part 14: greyscale standard display function (GSDF) was verified for both monitors. A visual grading characteristics (VGC) curve was constructed to measure the difference in image quality between the two monitors by comparing radiological structures displayed on each monitor with a DICOM part 14: GSDF-calibrated laptop monitor as reference. Results: All of the monitors conformed to within the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 18 10% tolerance levels for the assessment of the DICOM part 14: GSDF. There was no difference in the preferred perceived visual sensation for the displayed image between the two tested monitors with the area under the VGC curve = 0.53 and 95% confidence interval = 0.47-0.59. Conclusions: A DICOM part 14: GSDF COTS monitor is capable of displaying an image quality that is equally preferred to a DICOM part 14: GSDF medical grade monitor for an 8-bit image file. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate whether standardizing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) display devices to the digital imaging and communications in medicine part 14: greyscale standard display function (DICOM part 14: GSDF) would affect the presentation of dental images. Methods: Two COTS display devices from the radiology department of a dental teaching hospital and a laptop computer monitor for reference were calibrated to conform to DICOM part 14: GSDF. Four dental surgeons and two final-year students undertook a relative visual grading analysis of the two devices before and after calibration, under control of the viewing environment. Results: Calibrating COTS display devices to conform to the DICOM part 14: GSDF and viewing under reduced ambient light result in a consistent, perceived visual sensation for the presented radiological image. The area under the visual grading characteristics curve (AUCVGV) before calibration is 0.62 CI (0.56, 0.68) and AUCVGC after calibration is 0.51 CI (0.45, 0.57). Conclusions: Standardizing COTS display devices to the DICOM part 14: GSDF can improve image presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To measure the intensity and distribution of scatter radiation received by a restrainer in veterinary radiography including the intensity of scatter radiation passing through lead protective devices at pre-defined positions. Methods Anthropomorphic phantoms and a Labrador dog cadaver were used to simulate a restrainer and patient. Scatter dose measurements were recorded at the position of the restraining hands, thyroid, breast and gonads with and without appropriate lead protection. This was repeated for the eight most common projections as identified in an initial retrospective survey. Results Manual restraint of an animal for a radiographic procedure will result in a scatter radiation dose to the restrainer. The level of radiation dose varies between body regions and between projections. The use of appropriate lead protection resulted in statistically significant dose reductions to all body regions with maximum scatter dose reductions between 93 and 100%. Clinical Significance While the doses recorded were small ( μGy) in terms of associated risk, they are nonetheless cumulative which can result in a more significant dose. Therefore manual restraint should be avoided and forms of immobilisation should be used such as mechanical means, sedation or general anaesthesia. However, if completely necessary both principles of distance and adequate lead protection should be employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematological variables of diseased and apparently healthy winter flounder Pleuronectes americanus were evaluated during fin rot epizootics in the Hudson-Raritan estuary, New York-New Jersey. Most diseased fish had significantly lower (average, 43% lower; P < 0.05) levels of hemoglobin, erythrocytes, hematocrit, and plasma protein than healthy fish; blood deficiencies were more frequent among juveniles (ages 1 and 2) than adults. The results indicate that the disease had severe consequences for this species. Normal seasonal variation in winter flounder hematology was determined by assessment of healthy fish through an annual cycle, Hemoglobin, erythrocyte, and hematocrit values were high between October and April-May and low between June and September. Plasma protein levels were high in June-December (January data were not obtained), and low in February-May. Juveniles and adults differed significantly in levels of plasma protein through the annual cycle. Temporary (1-7-month) differences in hemoglobin and erythrocyte levels between juveniles and adults also were evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A computer display monitor used for interpreting dental images should have a maximum luminance of 171 cd/m2. A monitor used for clinical review should have a maximum luminance of 100 cd/m2.Objective To compare luminance and ambient lighting measurements for a selection of computer display monitors in different locations of a dental teaching hospital to available guidelines. To assess six commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) monitors from the radiology department of the dental teaching hospital after calibration to the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine Part 14: Greyscale Standard Display Function (DICOM part 14: GSDF).Design Data collection.Method Luminance and illuminance measurements were taken for a selection of monitors used for clinical applications throughout a dental teaching hospital. Conformance data were recorded for six COTS monitors from the radiology department following calibration to the DICOM part 14: GSDF. Results None of the tested monitors had a maximum luminance value that was appropriate for image interpretation and the ambient lighting in the vicinity of the monitors was also set to inappropriate levels for image interpretation. The quality of conformance to the DICOM part 14: GSDF varied among the calibrated COTS monitors in the radiology department.Conclusions It is important that display devices used for dental radiology are quality assured. Consideration should be given to ensure that monitors used for dental radiological interpretation have a maximum luminance that meets available guidelines. These monitors should be standardised to the DICOM part 14: GSDF and the illumination of the reporting environment should be controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Radiography Service Managers (RSMs) and Clinical Specialist Radiographers (CSRs) play a pivotal role in the overall provision and seamless operation of the diagnostic imaging services provided to patients. The essential role played by these professionals makes it important to consider both job satisfaction and career plans amongst this cohort as both these variables are inextricably linked with the quality of care provided to patients and the occupational performance of staff. This study explored the job satisfaction and career plans of RSMs and CSRs., Method: A well-established, validated, questionnaire-based job satisfaction assessment tool, the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), was used to provide data relating to 36 statements across nine subscales related to job satisfaction in healthcare. Additionally, there were four open-ended questions which provided participants the opportunity to provide input related to career plans. An email link with access to the electronic survey was circulated to the National RSMs Group who further distributed the survey to other RSMs and all CSRs at their respective clinical sites. The collected data was analysed in Excel with the data analysis add-in to assess statistical significance., Results: The findings of this study demonstrated predominately 'ambivalent' opinions among CSRs and RSMs, with regard to job satisfaction. Areas of highest satisfaction amongst both cohorts included 'Nature of work', 'Co-workers', and 'Supervision', while areas of dissatisfaction included 'Pay', unclear systems of 'Contingent Rewards', and 'Operating Conditions'., Conclusion: This study highlighted areas where measures could be explored to increase job satisfaction and encourage the retention of both RSMs and CSRs in diagnostic imaging departments., Implications for Practice: The enhancement of job satisfaction at management levels should translate through to other grades of radiographers, impacting the overall quality of patient care and professional well-being in the department., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement JMcN is the current Editor in Chief at Radiography, however, as an author of this submission he had no role in or visibility of the handling of the manuscript through the editorial or peer review process., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The SAFE EUROPE project, a European-funded project, addressed educational gaps of Therapeutic Radiographers/Radiation Therapists (TR/RTTs) by offering a series of free webinars. This study aimed to assess the quality of these webinars and their impact on professional practice., Methods: Data collection involved two methods: an automated feedback form administered after each webinar, supplemented by a survey disseminated through social media. The collected data encompassed attendance statistics, participants' professions and geographic locations, webinar quality assessment, the acquisition of new knowledge and skills, the application of this newfound knowledge in practice, and the likelihood of recommending these webinars. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Ethical approval for the study was obtained., Results: 11,286 individuals from 107 countries participated in 18 webinars. Despite 72.7% being radiographers, a diverse array of professionals attended the webinars, including medical physicists, oncologists, radiologists, and academics. Remarkably, 98.7% of respondents rated the webinar quality as either good or excellent. The average rating for the likelihood of recommending these webinars to colleagues was 8.96/10. A substantial proportion of respondents expressed agreement or strong agreement that the webinars enhanced their knowledge (85%) and skills (73%). Furthermore, 79% of participants indicated that the webinars motivated them to change practice, with 65% having already implemented these changes. The insights from open-ended questions corroborated these findings., Conclusion: The webinars effectively achieved the aim of the SAFE EUROPE project to enhance practice by increasing knowledge and skills. Participants overwhelmingly endorsed the quality of these webinars., Implications for Practice: Webinars represent a cost-efficient training tool that reaches a global audience and various radiography/radiotherapy professions. The development of additional webinars is strongly recommended., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement This work was co-funded by the SAFE EUROPE project under the Erasmus+ Sector Skill Alliances programme [grant agreement 2018–2993/001-001]. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The quality of clinical learning environments (CLEs) impact learners' experience and competence development. Objective instruments have been developed to evaluate CLEs from the perspective of medical and nursing students. No such instruments have been used in Radiography., Methods: Radiography students' perspectives of CLEs were investigated using the validated Undergraduate Clinical Education Environment Measure (UCEEM). Undergraduate (UG) (n = 365) and graduate entry (GE) radiography students (n = 45) from an Irish university were invited to participate. CLEs consisted of 25 public and 10 private hospitals. The UCEEM contains 26 items under two overarching dimensions, experiential learning and social participation, with four subscales: opportunities to learn in and through work and quality of supervision; preparedness for student entry; workplace interaction patterns and student inclusion; and equal treatment., Results: Two hundred and ten students participated (response rate 52.4%; n = 185 UG, n = 30 GE), most of whom were based in public hospitals (87.4%). The mean UCEEM score was 107.5 ± 17.7 (optimal range: 90-125). Experiential learning and social participation were scored 74.2 ± 12.5 (optimal range: 60-85) and 33.37 ± 6.29 (optimal range: 30-40), respectively. Private hospitals ranked slightly higher than public hospitals for 'opportunities to learn in and through work and quality of supervision' (p = 0.018). Items ranked highest related to 'equal treatment' and 'opportunity to put theory into practice'. Clinical supervision-related items were scored highest by first-year students., Conclusion: High UCEEM scores indicate radiography students' positive perceptions of their CLEs, particularly regarding equality and experiential learning. Findings support the expansion of radiography placement to include public and private hospitals., Implications for Practice: The UCEEM is a theoretically robust, validated tool which appears suitable for evaluating radiography CLEs. This study provides valuable baseline data for comparison of Radiography CLEs., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Robust academic pathways are critical to support of radiography faculty within third level education. As the profession of Radiography grows its' research activity, it is important that academic opportunities meet the needs of the profession. The purpose of this research was to investigate current academic career pathways across radiography education centres internationally., Methods: An online survey was developed and administered to radiography academics and clinical/academic staff members internationally. The survey questions (n = 28) include demographic data; teaching and research requirements; academic promotion criteria; identification of the challenges and benefits of being an academic, including equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) matters., Results: A total of 175 responses were obtained (6 continents and 39 countries), with a variety of experience levels amongst academics that primarily held permanent work contracts. Regarding the highest qualifications held, 31.4% (n = 55) had a Doctorate and 45.7% (n = 80) a Master's degree, and most respondents were employed as academic lecturers (40.6%; n = 71), with 17.7% (n = 31) employed at professorial level. The minimum time requirement to achieve a permanent contract was variable, ranging from no delay (5.7%; n = 10) to more than 10 years (12.6%; n = 22). Doctorate qualification is currently not necessary in order to career progression for 126 (72%) respondents, while 52% (n = 91) provided specific research requirements. 106 (60.6%) respondents indicated that their institution has EDI policy., Conclusion: This study has captured details related to academic pathways across international radiography education centres. Whilst some heterogeneity exists, there are numerous differences impacting standardised academic career opportunities for Radiography academics. These may challenge academic career opportunities and discourage those interested in an academic career., Implications for Practice: The profile and educational background of these academics has been highlighted as well as the perceived barriers and advantages of a career in academic., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement All authors declare that they have no competing interests directly related to this study. LR is member of the Radiography International Advisory Board, while JPMN is the Editor-in-Chief of Radiography. Therefore, they were not involved in any way in the revision, review, and decision process., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)