https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53732 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:28:38 GMT 2026-04-19T18:28:38Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/54012 Title: The 'red dot' system : an evaluation of Maltese radiographers' capability in abnormality detection Abstract: The 'Red - Dot' system is a system making use of the Radiographers' experience in abnormality detection to help Admitting and Emergency Officers identify radiological abnormalities. It is seen as a small step in the road to role development for Radiographers. In Malta no such system exists. This research project was designed to evaluate the Maltese Radiographers' capability in abnormality detection and as a means to make Radiographers conscious of their diagnostic potential. The research tool was a set of Radiographs together with a checklist and a short questionnaire from which quantifiable data was obtained. These were distributed to a randomly selected sample of Radiographers who performed duties at the Admitting and Emergency department. A pilot study was performed on a sample of 2 Radiographers to test the tools, with only minor changes being found to be required. The results demonstrate that at this point m time Maltese Radiographers' capability in abnormality detection is low and therefore the 'Red - Dot' system cannot be implemented immediately. 11 On the basis of the findings recommendations are proposed for the implementation of a training programme to raise the Radiographers' capability in abnormality detection to the desired standards which could lead to further investigations regarding the applicability of the 'Red - Dot' system to the Maltese situation. On the basis of the study, the researcher concluded that even though patient dose values in this study are well below those found in the European literature further reduced values of the LDRL can be obtained by improving collimation. It is suggested that the use of a higher kV I reduced mAs, using higher sensitivity FUJI STBD IP cassettes (which are available at the hospital concerned) and appropriate additional filtration and specifically designed paediatric AEDs can reduce dose even further. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/54012 1996-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53738 Title: Total colonoscopy versus double-contrast barium enema for the detection of intraluminal lesions. Abstract: Studies have demonstrated that double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) is slowly being superseded by total colonoscopy (TC), as the latter is alleged to have better sensitivity and specificity to detect colorectal pathology. Research has also revealed that DCBE tends to have a higher degree of misdiagnoses when compared to TC. Therefore, physicians are relying more on TC for early detection of polyps, especially when considering their malignant potential. However, the success of TC colonoscopy requires refined technical skills and expensive endoscopic equipment, rendering the procedure less cost effective than DCBE. Thus, DCBE is preferred as a first line colonic examination. DCBE was still hailed as the first line colonic investigation in St Luke's Hospital and constituted some 5% of the daily workload of the radiology department. However, DCBE examinations were being performed without fluoroscopic aid, greatly compromising the diagnostic accuracy of the results. The accuracy of the radiographic examination is highly dependent on equipment, as emphasised in literature and hence the limitation encountered in the radiology department is suggestive of significant number of diagnostic errors. This study revealed that DCBE accounted for 38.5% (20 out of 52) misdiagnoses, which were confirmed by TC examination performed at a later stage. TC was 100% sensitive and specific in its diagnoses suggesting that TC should be employed as first line colonic investigation, especially when considering the technical limitations by which DCBE examinations are being performed. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY Mon, 01 Jan 1996 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53738 1996-01-01T00:00:00Z