https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/324 2026-06-01T23:02:45Z 2026-06-01T23:02:45Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146976 2026-05-29T13:43:50Z 2025-02-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An investigation of radiography education in Spanish speaking countries in Europe and Latin America Abstract: Purpose: To establish the current situation related to radiography education in Spanish speaking countries in Europe and Latin America.; Background: Numerous studies have highlighted the global heterogeneity of radiography education [1-6]. This diversity is seen within specific subject areas such as radiation protection [7], patient safety more broadly[8], simulation, and clinical education. In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has further identified challenges and opportunities linked to radiography education which has forced educational institutions around the world to rethink aspects of their curricula, taught and clinical [9-11]. Many articles have been published focusing on local, national, and international data related to these challenges and opportunities; indeed one study focused on Latin America and the impact of the pandemic on both students and on their clinical education [12]. A recently published study explored the vocational structure of radiography education in Spain, along with the perspectives of Spanish radiography educators [13]. In Spain, one of the most surprising data is the increasing number of graduated students rising from n=2,329 in 2001 to a maximum of n=14,526 in 2019, these figures inclusive of medical imaging and radiation therapy graduates [14]. The authors concluded that this number exceeds occupational needs and creates difficulties in managing clinical training. Another notable point made in this study was that it identified the small number of Spanish radiographers included in the teaching staff of training institutions. In Spain, in 1963 a three-month hospital training program formed the first for radiography technicians [15]. Five years later in 1968, in Costa Rica a hospital training program of a year duration was the beginning of the radiography education [16]. In Cuba, primarily empirical training was provided, with the start of the college degree in 1989 [17]. In Bolivia, the college degree commenced in 1980, so several decades ago a degree level Radiography education was provided in Latin America around the same period as in several European countries e.g. Ireland and the United Kingdom. In more recent years across Latin America Radiography education is imparted mainly by Universities on at graduate level, with the majority of education programs (68.4%) having a duration of 4 years or more, while in Spain education is mainly imparted by pre-university vocational training institutions on a technical level and it has not progressed to university level education [18]. This survey set out to determine the current status of Radiography education in Spanish speaking countries and this poster provides an overview of several matters associated with Radiography education.

2025-02-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146973 2026-05-29T13:34:44Z 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Pushing the limits of CT localiser dose reduction. How low can we go? Abstract: Purpose: Optimising radiation dose in CT begins before image acquisition, with the often-overlooked localiser scan. Localisers are performed for CT examinations, resulting in a small but important contribution to cumulative patient radiation dose, while also influencing scan range selection and automated exposure parameters. This study evaluates the use of tin (Sn) filtration to reduce radiation dose in CT scan localisers of the brain; kidney, ureter and bladder (KUB); and low-dose thoracic CT. Tin filtration functions as spectral beam shaping by selectively removing low-energy photons from the X-ray spectrum. These low-energy photons contribute disproportionately to patient dose while offering limited benefit to image formation due to their higher likelihood of being absorbed superficially rather than reaching the detector. By hardening the beam and increasing its mean photon energy, Sn filtration improves dose efficiency and reduces unnecessary radiation exposure without compromising the anatomical information required for scan planning. Given that localiser images are primarily used for positioning and protocol planning rather than diagnostic interpretation, the application of Sn filtration represents a rational optimisation strategy aligned with radiation protection principles such as ALARA.

2026-03-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146972 2026-05-29T13:32:04Z 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A scoping review protocol for mapping current practices, commonalities and disparities Abstract: Learning objectives: The outcome of the research question is to reveal gaps, as in that there is no comprehensive mapping of how forensic imaging is actually organised and standardised across European jurisdictions, and where the main commonalities and disparities lie. The primary objective is to map the range, nature, and characteristics of forensic imaging practices across European countries, identifying key commonalities and disparities in imaging modalities, protocols, service structures, and governance.

2026-03-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146943 2026-05-29T09:02:10Z 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Healthcare professionals’ perception about use of AI in diagnostic imaging : a systematic review Abstract: The aim of this systematic review was to systematically review the literature to investigate healthcare professionals’ perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge relating to the use of AI in diagnostic imaging, which will lead to a wider and global perspective of main themes and findings arising from published literature on this topic.; This study has the objective to contribute to a comprehensive interpretation of general sentiment among healthcare professionals, to provide insight that can guide future improvements in the AI technologies within diagnostic imaging fields. Research objectives are:; 1. Systematically review the literature on the advancements of AI and its application in diagnostic imaging; 2. Evaluate the findings of the literature so as to explore reported perceptions, attitudes, opinions and levels of knowledge of healthcare professionals in relation to the use of AI in diagnostic imaging.; 3. Identify common themes from the literature in relation to to AI use in diagnostic imaging department; 4. Draw relevant conclusions and recommendations based on the analysed findings of the systematic review in relation to healthcare professionals’ perceptions relating to the current and future use of AI in diagnostic imaging.

2026-03-01T00:00:00Z