OAR@UM Collection:

The impact on diagnostic accuracy of an abbreviated screening breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol in detecting lobular carcinoma

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The impact on diagnostic accuracy of an abbreviated screening breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol in detecting lobular carcinoma Abstract: Purpose: This study evaluated and compared the diagnostic accuracy of an abbreviated protocol against a full protocol for breast MRI in detecting lobular carcinoma Objectives: To compare the diagnostic accuracy and cancer yield of an abbreviated protocol to a full protocol using breast imaging reporting and data system classification (BI-RADS); determine diagnostic accuracy through ROC curves; calculate performance indicators for both protocols. Methodology: 35 cases undertaken during the period January 2019 and December 2021; 20- biopsy confirmed lobular carcinoma; 15- normal (negative follow up imaging). Two radiologists independently reviewed the abbreviated protocol. The data collected was compared with data collected from initial radiological MRI reports based on the full protocol. Lesions with BI-RADS category 1 or 2 were considered negative while BI-RADS of 3,4 or 5 considered positive. Results were analysed using ROC analysis. Results: The area under the curve obtained from each ROC curve was 1- full protocol, 0.920 and 0.922 for radiologist A and B for the abbreviated protocol respectively. The p-value (<0.05) for all the corresponding protocols indicated that each protocol diagnosed the disease state (cancer yes/no) at a statistically significant level. When using the abbreviated protocol, the diagnostic accuracy was maintained. All cancers were detected by the two radiologists with the abbreviated protocol (100% sensitivity), which was the equal to the full protocol. The specificity of the abbreviated protocol was significantly (p<0.05) lower for radiologists A (73.3%) and B (53.5%) when compared to the full protocol (100% for both). Conclusions: This study was the first of its kind performed locally creating a baseline for further investigations and adding to the body of knowledge. Despite limitations, it demonstrated that the abbreviated protocol had equal diagnostic accuracy to the full protocol in the detection of lobular carcinoma. Description: M.Sc. Radiography(Melit.)

The knowledge and perception of patients in Malta towards artificial intelligence in medical imaging

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The knowledge and perception of patients in Malta towards artificial intelligence in medical imaging Abstract: Purpose: To investigate the current knowledge of AI amongst patients in Malta and determine how patients in Malta perceive the application of AI in medical imaging. Methodology: A cross-sectional, prospective, non-experimental study using a quantitative approach was adopted. The self-designed paper-based questionnaire, partly adapted with permission from a previous survey and questionnaire, was distributed in English or Maltese language amongst eligible outpatients attending medical imaging examinations in Maltese or Gozitan hospitals in March 2023. Results: 280 completed questionnaires were analysed, yielding a 5.83% confidence interval. 42.1% of patients indicated basic knowledge of AI, while 36.4% reported minimal to no knowledge. The responses revealed that patients were mostly favourable to humans and AI complementing each other to improve healthcare delivery. Nevertheless, most patients indicated a strong preference for doctors being involved and retaining the final-decision making, even if AI is used. Furthermore, most considered radiologists’ replacement unlikely. For some statements, a statistically significant association was noted between patients’ perception of AI-based technology and their gender, age, educational background, and technological knowledge. Specifically, females, older patients, and those with lower educational levels and limited technological skills, demonstrated less trust in AI and its ability to recommend reliable treatment options. Most patients (92.1%) expressed the desire to be informed if AI was used in their care, with a considerable percentage of respondents (76.8%) indicating their belief that AI integration with medical imaging could improve healthcare delivery. Conclusions: Patients are important stakeholders in the development of AI technology, and therefore, their involvement is crucial for prioritising patient-centred care, addressing ethical concerns, fostering trust, and ensuring AI systems align with their values and needs. Implications for practice: Educational programs are necessary to improve AI literacy amongst patients. Additionally, clear policies on AI use in radiography must be implemented to safeguard patients’ rights and well-being. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)

Patients' perspective on the use of mobile applications for the provision of supportive care in radiotherapy

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Patients' perspective on the use of mobile applications for the provision of supportive care in radiotherapy Abstract: Purpose: Mobile health (mHealth) is increasingly being used to provide supportive care to cancer patients in oncology hospitals. This study aimed to investigate the patient’s perception of the usefulness and limitations of a mobile application (app) as part of the supportive care provided to patients undergoing radiotherapy at a local oncology hospital. Methodology: Patients undergoing radiotherapy between 2nd February to 6th April 2023 were invited to complete a self-designed questionnaire by an intermediary to assess the patient’s smartphone knowledge and usage habits, as well as their willingness to use a mobile application while undergoing radiotherapy. The patient's perception of the usefulness of specific features (information provider, appointment manager, and symptom tracker) and the barriers to using such applications was assessed through a Likert scale ranging from 1 (Not useful) to 5 (Extremely useful). Frequencies were generated for all areas of interest for quantitative analysis, and the findings were correlated with the patient’s demographics. Results: A total of 39 patients completed the questionnaire. Of the 39 participants, 82.1% had a smartphone device, 59% could use their smartphones with minimal to no help, and 41% had not used their smartphones for medical purposes before. However, 79.5% of patients showed a strong interest in using a mobile app during radiotherapy. Age, gender, and level of education had no significant impact on the acceptability of using the mobile application for radiotherapy purposes. The most highly rated feature was the doctor alert feature on the symptom tracker (3.05), followed by the appointment manager (3.03), and the contact feature for after treatment completion (2.95) . Concerns regarding data security were voiced by 51.2% of patients. Conclusion: The use of a mobile application as part of the supportive care provided to patients undergoing radiotherapy is well-received by patients and should therefore be implemented as part of the routine clinical practice of the local oncology hospital. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)

Patients’ perception of radiographers’ communication skills during planar X-Ray imaging

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Patients’ perception of radiographers’ communication skills during planar X-Ray imaging Abstract: Purpose: This study aims to explore the patients’ perception of radiographers’ communication skills during a planar x-ray imaging examination performed at a medical imaging department in a public general hospital in Malta. Objectives: The objectives were to acquire and read existing related literature on the communication aspect of planar x-ray radiography and see if there are any gaps in the literature. Develop a questionnaire which was distributed to patients’ attending an x-ray examination. Collect data and analyse it to view any trends and understand if the patients’ perception on radiographers’ communication skills is fully understood by patients. Methodology: The study was conducted through the administration of a self-designed questionnaire to a random sample of patients attending for planar x-ray imaging at a medical imaging department at general public hospital in Malta. The participants filled in the questionnaire consisting of demographic data and to score a series of statements on a Likert scale of 1-4, with 1 being ‘Very unsatisfied’, 2 being ‘Unsatisfied’, 3 being ‘Satisfied’ and 4 being ‘Very satisfied’. The Friedman test and Kruskal Wallis test were used to analyse the data collected from this study. Results: The results from the study show that all mean scores were either 3 (Satisfied) or 4 (Very Satisfied) and that there were no significant discrepancies when comparing the different demographics which were included in the study (p > 0.05). However, it was also seen that females provided significantly higher mean rating scores than males. From the Friedman test performed it was seen that patient’s scores varied the most in the statement ‘Radiographers informed me on what they had to do next’. Conclusions: The mechanism in place for training radiographers in patient communication appears to be effective, as patients are given instructions clearly and without undue discomfort. To investigate other demographics and discover whether there are any relationships between them, additional research would be required. To make it simpler for patients once they have completed the x-ray and put their minds at ease during their entire stay at the hospital, a clearer pathway should be implemented. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)