https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/51343 2026-04-23T07:38:51Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65459 Title: The effect of occupational stress on daignostic imaging radiographers in rendering quality service Abstract: Radiography is acknowledged to be a stressful occupation. In Malta evidence to support this claim is limited due to the lack of valid and reliable research done in this area. Research also suggests that high levels of stress are not healthy for individuals. The environment in which diagnostic radiographers work consists of various situations that radiographers perceive as stressful. This led the student researcher to carry out a small-scale study to explore the sources of occupational stress among diagnostic radiographers working at St. Luke's hospital. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was carried out using quantitative data obtained through self-administered questionnaires. A convenience sample of 53 radiographers participated in the study. The sources, which the radiographers perceived more stressful, were identified along with the levels of stress. The findings indicate that workload was found to be the most highly perceived source of stress followed by patient complaints. Some perceived sources of stress were found to be related to gender and years of employment. On the whole the majority of radiographers were found to have a normal level of occupational stress. The project includes a discussion of findings which were then used to draw up recommendations in order to reduce occupational stress among diagnostic radiographers. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/54014 Title: The value of the simplidRED D-Dimer test in the evaluation of pulmonary embolism when compared to lung perfusion/ventilation scans Abstract: Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a potentially fatal condition especially if left untreated. In order to decrease the mortality and morbidity of PE, swift diagnosis and treatment are essential. Locally, the diagnosis of PE mainly relies on lung ventilation/perfusion scanning. The SimpliRED® D-Dimer test is a blood test with a very high sensitivity that if carried out prior to lung V /Q scans, could aid in decreasing the number of unnecessary scans performed (Pistolesi & Miniati, 2002). The high number of negative V/Q scan results, the radiation issues involved, the high workloads on the staff at the Gamma Camera Unit and the high costs involved in imaging these patients motivated the researcher to investigate this issue. A non-experimental, qualitative and retrospective research study was undertaken to determine if the SimpliRED® D-Dimer blood test could have any use in the diagnosis of PE and especially in its exclusion. The researcher analysed a population sample of patients that had done a SimpliRED® D-Dimer blood test prior to the V /Q scan. The research instrument consisted of a data-gathering table set up by the researcher for the purpose of this investigation. Findings showed that there was a significant association between the results of the SimpliRED® D-Dimer blood test and the V/Q scan. This means that D-Dimer tests may aid in the diagnosis of PE prior to performing V/Q scans. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the SimpliRED® D-Dimer performed locally was found to be 100%, which approximates the sensitivity values found in the literature. This indicates that a negative SimpliRED® D-Dimer test result could accurately exclude PE and the need for further imaging. The researcher, thus, proposed various recommendations based on these findings including the need for a protocol that would standardise the approach to the diagnosis of PE. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53924 Title: Magnetic resonance imaging : pituitary microadenomas Abstract: The current protocol at St. Luke's Hospital, Malta for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of pituitary microadenoma, calls for a series of pre-contrast images, administration of contrast and post-contrast series of images. In this small scale study the need for the administration of the whole post-contrast series of MRI was investigated. Twenty two cases with confirmed pituitary microadenoma and follow-up MRI examination were selected and evaluated by two radiologists who regularly report on MRI examination at St. Luke's Hospital. The pre-contrast images were examined first followed by the preand post-contrast images one week later. The radiologists' separate responses were each time recorded on the questionnaire purposely constructed from the reviewed literature. The Chi-square test was used to analyse the data. Results showed that detection rate by radiologists improved whilst viewing pre- and post-contrast images together leading the researcher to conclude that in the case of follow-up microadenoma contrast administration is still necessary. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53824 Title: Comparison of the role of a radiographer in St. Lukes Hospital, Malta and Agakhan Hospital, Kenya. Abstract: The role of radiographer is ever-changing due to the advances in medical technology and its increasing demand and importance of both therapeutic and diagnostic imaging. The researcher was prompted to compare and discuss the role of a radiographer in the two countries, Malta and Kenya of which the researcher is very familiar with. One of the objectives of this study is to find out whether the role greatly differs due to certain factors which include race, culture and religion. The research was done via a closed formatted questionnaire which was randomly distributed to radiographers of the same ranking/positions. A pilot study was done by interviewing a representing radiographer from each country, with the theme being their experiences in working as a radiographer in that particular hospital. A quality testing of the questionnaire was also passed on through these radiographers and changes made to the questionnaire if need be, prior to sending it out at the commencement of the research process. The results of this study demonstrate the differences and similarities in the roles of radiographer in the two radiology departments St.Lukes Hospital, Malta and Agakhan Hospital, Kenya. The results of this study will be submitted to the two departments. In conclusion, recommendations were proposed on the basis of the findings. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z