https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/51805 Sat, 01 Aug 2026 14:58:46 GMT 2026-08-01T14:58:46Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53251 Title: Reject analysis : an analysis of films rejected from the Radiology Department at St. Luke's Hospital, Malta Abstract: Reject analysis is the critical evaluation of rejected radiographs which is performed in order to calculate the average reject rate and to establish the main reasons for rejected films. As part of a quality assurance programme, reject analysis may help in identifying problem areas and suggesting corrective measures. In the Radiology Department at St. Luke's Hospital, no such programme exists. This research project was designed to establish the average reject rate in the Radiology Department and to identify the main reasons for rejected films. The research tool used was the reject analysis data sheet suggested by the British Institute of Radiology (1988). This study was performed over a period of 4 weeks. A pilot study was performed for a period of 1 week, with only minor changes being found to be required. The results demonstrated that the average reject rate in the Radiology Department lies in the acceptable range. Exposure and positioning faults were found to cause the majority of rejected films. On the basis of the findings, recommendations are proposed for the implementation of a continuous reject analysis, regular quality assurance tests and the introduction of standards of acceptable image quality in order that the results obtained through the reject analysis are used to the fullest extent. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53251 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53213 Title: The impact of Technetium-99m MIBI myocardial perfusion scintigraphy SPECT imaging, in the management of patients with intermediate coronary artery lesions Abstract: The new challenge for nuclear cardiology is to determine whether its techniques can provide more accurate information than other competitive modalities. Nuclear examinations may be used when the results of coronary angiography are equivocal regarding the hemodynamic significance of a lesion, such as in patients with intermediate coronary artery disease. In these cases, scintigraphy may aid to separate the patients who are non-ischaemic and who require just medical treatment, from those who have ischaemia and who thus require revascularisation. This is the current practice in Malta. This research project was designed to evaluate whether the results of the scintigraphy studies have an impact on the management and treatment proposed for patients with intermediate coronary artery lesions. It also aimed to show whether the myocardial perfusion examinations being performed are reaching their goal of detecting the presence and site of any ischaemia present. 29 cardiac cases were chosen for this study and criteria were set to exclude those patients that would have biased the research. The results obtained demonstrate that the scintigraphy examinations currently carried out are adequately fulfilling their role. Moreover the results of the scintigraphy studies were seen to covary with the treatment proposed for the participants, in about 90% of cases. So it was concluded that the perfusion examinations have an impact on the management of patients with intermediate lesions. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53213 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52835 Title: Adverse reactions to contrast media : an investigation of contrast-enhanced C.T. examinations. Abstract: The administration of contrast media during radiological examinations increases the diagnostic potential of the examinations since these preparations make it possible to visualise structures and functions which otherwise would not be visible on a radiograph. This research study was designed to investigate the adverse reactions produced by ionic and non-ionic contrast media used at the computed tomography (C.T.) scan room at the Radiology Department of St. Luke's Hospital. A modified format of the research tool used by Katayama et al ( 1990) was utilised in this study. The results indicate that overall, contrast media examinations appear to be safe. However, the use of non-ionic contrast media could provide a higher degree of safety to patients. Based on the findings and the high cost of non-ionic contrast media, a departmental protocol should be adopted for the classification of patients into risk groups and subsequent administration of contrast medium. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52835 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52818 Title: Effects of information of the psychological stress levels of patients. Abstract: The amount of information given to patients prior to an examination alters the levels of patient compliance and co-operation, probably as a result of the changes in stress levels (Dunbar and Agras, 1980). This study investigated the effects of information giving on the patients' psychological stress levels. Intravenous urography was categorised as a short-term threatening experience that causes moderate levels of stress in most patients (Karlsson, 1982). Only patients attending for this examination were studied. A sample of 16 out-patients, aged between 18 and 60 was studied. All patients studied had renal colic as their clinical indication for the examination. This was done in such a way that there was a degree of matching between the experimental and control groups; thus decreasing other possible factors which could have influenced the patient's stress levels. However, patients were randomly assigned to either group. The control group was given the existing information sheet whereas the experimental group was given a new information booklet The questionnaires given to the patients measured psychological levels of stress. These were the General Health Questionnaire, (GHQ) and the State Trait Anxiety Index (STAI). The results obtained in this study indicated that neither age nor information nor the interaction of both factors had any statistically significant effects on the anxiety levels of patients. This was due to the fact that intravenous urograms might not cause high enough stress and anxiety levels that changes could not be measured accurately. It might also have been due to the various limitation of the study. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY Wed, 01 Jan 1997 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52818 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z