https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52185 2026-05-06T00:56:17Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/111299 Title: Octreoscan in the detection of neuroendocrine tumours : a study evaluating the value of octreoscan imaging at a general state hospital in Malta Abstract: Neuroendocrine tumours (NET's) are rare tumours that arise in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. They could be situated in the bronchopulmonary system, as well as in the GI tract, such as the small intestine. Certain types of NET's are also found in organs such as the pancreas. Examples of these tumours are Insulinoma, which secretes high levels of insulin, and Gastrinoma, which secretes high levels of gastrin. Other types of NET's are carcinoid tumours. These tumours are a rare form of NET, and are mostly found in the GI tract. The objective of this study was to determine whether the report obtained from the Octreoscan made an impact on the patient's management in Malta. All patients undergoing an Octreoscan at the Malta General State Hospital were included in this study. Reports of the Octreoscan performed, and those of other related imaging examinations were retrieved from the computer system of the Medical Imaging Department. Any change in treatment was then sought from the patient's medical records. All the necessary data was documented with the help of a checklist. 57% of the patients included in this study had a change in their treatment that was effected from the Octreoscan results. Any impact on management in the remaining 43% was not due to results obtained from the Octreoscan, but from those of other imaging examinations or other tests. These results do not coincide with results obtained in foreign literature, mainly due to the small number of participants in this study. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53925 Title: A comparison between ultrasound and plain X-ray imaging for detecting and locating penetrating foreign bodies. Abstract: The main aim of the study was to compare ultrasonography and plain X-ray imaging in their ability to detect and locate penetrating soft tissue foreign bodies. The researcher aimed to find out which of the two imaging modalities should be used to detect and locate foreign bodies made of metal, glass, wood and plastic. The researcher wanted to test how the composition of the foreign bodies affected the ability of X-ray imaging and ultrasonography to detect them. This is a correlation study. The researcher performed tests on phantoms containing foreign bodies composed of metal, glass, wood and plastic. The tests involved imaging with X-ray and Ultrasonography. The results of the tests were listed in a table to allow easier comparison. The results of the study show that ultrasonography detected 100% of the foreign bodies. The sonographer was able to detect all the metal, glass, wood and plastic foreign bodies using a high frequency ultrasound machine. The results also show that X-ray imaging detected 85.7% of the foreign bodies. The foreign bodies that were not detected were composed of wood and plastic. The researcher concluded that ultrasonography is more useful for the detection of penetrating soft tissue foreign bodies than X-ray imaging. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53633 Title: An investigation of radiographer-patient communication Abstract: Introduction The radiography profession is surrounded by technology which may mean that the importance of communicating effectively with patients may sometimes be taken for granted. Effective communication with patients is an important aspect of patient care since it helps to achieve patient compliance and satisfaction. Booth and Manning (2006) identified five communication styles that were used by radiographers when interacting with patients, namely, 'Controlling Parent', 'Nurturing Parent', 'Adult', 'Free Child' and 'Adapted Child' communication styles. The authors reported that certain communication styles achieve patient satisfaction and compliance more than others. Aims of the study The study aimed to identify whether Maltese radiographers use similar or different communication styles than those identified by Booth and Manning (2006). The other aims of the study were to identify factors that may influence radiographer-patient communication and to obtain the perceptions of Maltese radiographers on how radiographer-patient communication can be improved. Methodology A non-experimental, descriptive research design was used in the study. Thirty one radiographers were recruited by quota sampling and were asked to complete a questionnaire that explored radiographer-patient communication. Results and Conclusion The results showed that local radiographers do make use of the five communication styles identified by Booth and Manning (2006) when interacting with patients and no other communication styles were proposed by the radiographers. Factors that have been found to influence radiographer-patient communication include radiographer characteristics, patient characteristics, the need to produce a diagnostic image, the need to keep the department running and work-related factors. According to local radiographers, radiographer-patient communication may be improved by reducing workload, more education at undergraduate level as well as continuous professional development. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53490 Title: The effect of patient controlled compression on patient satisfaction and the degree of pain in a mammographic experience. Abstract: INTRODUCTION Mammography is an important imaging modality which aids in early detection of breast cancer but since breast compression may cause discomfort and pain, several women are afraid to have a mammogram examination. Re-attendance can be encouraged by various factors that can be done to improve the mammographic experience for the patients. This prompted the researcher to assess one of the factors, which is patient controlled compression. In a previous study (Komguth et al., 1993) patient controlled compression was proven to lower the pain felt by women during breast compression and to enhance patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of patient controlled compression may have on patient satisfaction and on the amount of pain experienced by Maltese women attending a General Hospital in Malta for a mammogram examination. METHODOLOGY The sample consisted of 15 women who were undergoing a mammogram examination at a General Hospital in Malta. The participants performed patient applied compression on one breast following the radiographer controlled compression on the other breast. Demographic data and both the amounts of compression force applied by the patient and by the radiographer were noted. Subsequently the women completed a questionnaire. RESULTS This study demonstrated that when women experienced pain, the most painful part of the mammographic examination was patient applied compression. Although most of the participants were satisfied with patient controlled compression, this technique was not the primary factor affecting patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION In this study patient controlled compression does not seem to lower the risk of women experiencing pain and it does not seem to affect patient satisfaction during a mammogram examination. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z