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The environmental impact of radiology and radiotherapy activities is influenced by the energy consumption of equipment, the life cycle of consumables, waste generation, and CO 2 emissions caused by staff travel. This study aims to investigate radiographers' perception and knowledge of environmental sustainability issues. An online survey was created and distributed to European radiographers and therapeutic radiographers. The survey questions (n = 43) include demographic data; questions on their perceptions and actions regarding environmental sustainability in healthcare, energy consumption, emissions from staff travel, waste generation from radiological procedures; the role of radiographers in addressing sustainability issues within their departments. A total of 253 responses were collected from 27 European countries. About their perception on sustainability issues, most participants considered environmental sustainability in healthcare as very important. According to 63.6% (n = 161) of respondents, the energy consumption of radiological equipment is the major source of environmental footprints from radiology activities. Additionally, 44.7% (n = 113) believe that conducting diagnostic examinations remotely could reduce environmental footprints from staff commuting About their actions at workplace, over 70% (n = 192) reported turning off devices after use. Attention to waste recycling is high, but limited to paper, plastic and glass. Contrast agents recycling procedures are implemented by 13% (n = 33). The absence or unawareness of environmental sustainability procedures in the workplace was reported by 66% (n = 167). Radiographers could play an active role in environmental sustainability programs for 243 (96.1%) participants. This study provides a comprehensive overview of European radiographers' knowledge and perceptions concerning environmental sustainability issues. While radiographers recognize the importance of a green radiology department, significant gaps remain in their understanding of eco-friendly initiatives in radiology units' activities. Enhancing radiographers' skills with sustainability expertise could promote a greener culture within radiology departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. 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. 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. 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. The profile and educational background of these academics has been highlighted as well as the perceived barriers and advantages of a career in academic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate student clinical placement concerns and opinions, during the initial COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and to inform educational institution support planning. Between mid-June to mid-July 2020, educational institutions from 12 countries were invited to participate in an online survey designed to gain student radiographer opinion from a wide geographical spread and countries with varying levels of COVID-19 cases. 1277 respondents participated, of these 592 had completed clinical placements during January to June 2020. Accommodation and cohabiting risks were identified as challenging, as was isolation from family, travel to clinical placements, and to a lesser extent childcare. Students stated they had been affected by the feeling of isolation and concerns about the virus whilst on placement. Overall 35.4% of all respondents were 'Not at all worried' about being a radiographer, however, 64.6% expressed varying levels of concern and individual domestic or health situations significantly impacted responses (p ≤ 0.05). Year 4 students and recent graduates were significantly more likely to be 'Not worried at all' compared to Year 2 and 3 students (p ≤ 0.05). The need for improved communication regarding clinical placements scheduling was identified as almost 50% of students on clinical placements between January to June 2020 identified the completion of assessments as challenging. Furthermore, only 66% of respondents with COVID-19 imaging experience stated being confident with personal protective equipment (PPE) use. Student radiographers identified key challenges which require consideration to ensure appropriate measures are in place to support their ongoing needs. Importantly PPE training is required before placement regardless of prior COVID-19 imaging experience. As the next academic year commences, the study findings identify important matters to be considered by education institutions with responsibility for Radiography training and as students commence clinical placements during the on-going global COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From December 2019, a novel coronavirus disease named COVID-19 was reported in China. Within 3 months, the World Health Organization defined COVID-19 as a pandemic, with more than 370,000 cases and 16,000 deaths worldwide. In consideration of the crucial role of diagnostic testing during COVID-19, the aim of this technical note was to provide a complete synthesis of approaches implemented for the management of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. The planning of a robust plan to prevent the transmission of the virus to patients and department staff members should be fundamental in each radiology service. Moreover, the speed of spread and the incidence of the pandemic make it necessary to optimize the use of personal protective devices and dedicated COVID-19 equipment, given the limited availability of supplies. In the management of radiographic and CT imaging, staff should take special precautions to limit contamination between patients and other patients or professionals. An isolated imaging room should be dedicated to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, including radiography and CT scanners. This paper will provide guidance concerning disposable protective gear to be utilized, as well as on the cleaning and sanitation of radiology room and equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on radiography services globally. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of radiology departments in Italy. An online survey with 32 questions was developed and promoted by the Italian Federation of Scientific Radiographer Societies (FASTeR) and sent to all Radiology Service Managers (RSM) identified in the RSM committee of the Italian Federation of Radiographers and Health Professionals, counting for 39 Italian RSM, representing more than 1,200 radiographers. The survey included questions regarding RSM demographics data, the number of radiographers and specialties managed, the effects of the pandemic on the diagnostic imaging service, and any reorganizations that had been implemented, such as the partial or total suspension of diagnostic activities and the number of radiographers tested as positive to COVID-19. Twenty (52%) RSM from different Italian regions completed the questionnaire. A total of 70% of respondents had implemented reorganizations in terms of space, equipment, and pathways dedicated to COVID-19-infected patients, including an extension of the timing of acquisition of the exams. More than half of the respondents reported breast and DXA imaging unit had suffered the most suspension of activities. 70% of respondents reported that more than 50% of radiographers were resulted as COVID-19 positive. These data show how challenging was of the reorganization of Italian diagnostic imaging departments during the COVID-19 pandemic, with impact on the suspension of some exams and the rescheduling of breast and DXA imaging. The reorganization of the services also had to consider the high number of radiographers suspended from activity due to the positivity to COVID-19, and the lengthening of the duration of the examinations due to the sanitation of the spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic on a multispecialty radiology department in a large tertiary university hospital in Northern Italy. The numbers of all radiological exams performed in the radiology department of Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (namely, IRCCS) Policlinico San Donato (San Donato Milanese, Italy) from March 2019 to March 2021 were collected and compared, subdividing them both temporally, modality, sub-specialty, and setting. Comparing the first 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic (from March 2020 to February 2021) with the previous 12 months (from March 2019 to February 2020), there was an overall decrease in total radiological examinations equal to 26% (from 127,998 to 94,550). The most affected modality was DXA (from 4,706 to 2,989, -36%), followed by ultrasonography (from 17,212 to 11,644, -32%), digital radiography (from 66,050 to 47,374, -28%), MRI (from 13,332 to 10,140, -24%), CT (from 19,208 to 15,746, -18%), and mammograms (from 7,490 to 6,657, -11%). Chest CTs of inpatients saw a +15% surge (from 1,087 to 1,144), with far larger sizable increments being observed for chest X-ray examinations of outpatients (from 3,032 to 7,536, +131%). Further sub-analysis according to pandemic waves highlighted an overall -65% decrease of radiological services during the first wave (from March to May 2020), curtailed to -3% during the June–October period and then again rising to -23% during the second wave (from November 2020 to February 2021). The COVID-19 pandemic led to a marked decrease of total radiological examinations during the two pandemic waves, limited to -26% by the implementation of safety protocols during the second wave and by increased activity during the inter-wave period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To review contrast medium administration protocols used for cardiothoracic applications of time-resolved, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) sequences.Materials and Methods: A systematic search of the literature (Medline/EMBASE) was performed to identify articles utilising time-resolved MRA sequences, focusing on type of sequence, adopted technical parameters, contrast agent (CA) issues, and acquisition workflow. Study design, year of publication, population, magnetic field strength, type, dose, and injection parameters of CA, as well as technical parameters of time-resolved MRA sequences were extracted.Results: Of 117 retrieved articles, 16 matched the inclusion criteria. The study design was prospective in 9/16 (56%) articles, and study population ranged from 5 to 185 patients, for a total of 506 patients who underwent cardiothoracic time-resolved MRA. Magnetic field strength was 1.5 T in 13/16 (81%), and 3 T in 3/16 (19%) articles. The administered CA was gadobutrol (Gadovist) in 6/16 (37%) articles, gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist) in 5/16 (31%), gadobenate dimeglumine (MultiHance) in 2/16 (13%), gadodiamide (Omniscan) in 2/16 (13%), gadofosveset trisodium (Ablavar, previously Vasovist) in 1/16 (6%). CA showed highly variable doses among studies: fixed amount or based on patient body weight (0.02-0.2 mmol/kg) and was injected with a flow rate ranging 1-5 ml/s. Sequences were TWIST in 13/16 (81%), TRICKS in 2/16 (13%), and CENTRA 1/16 articles (6%).Conclusion: Time-resolved MRA sequences were adopted in different clinical settings with a large spectrum of technical approaches, mostly in association with different CA dose, type, and injection method. Further studies in relation to specific clinical indications are warranted to provide a common standardised acquisition protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]