Investigating the ability of radiographers in Malta to recognise the need for further repeats in trauma appendicular radiography

Abstract

Purpose Radiographers in diagnostic imaging are expected to have knowledge on image evaluation criteria, as this directly effects image quality and the need to perform repeats. This study assessed the ability of participating radiographers to evaluate trauma appendicular images based on contrast, exposure and sharpness, and image evaluation criteria, as well as their awareness of when repeats should be performed. Objectives The study evaluated the radiographer’s awareness of the need for repeats in trauma images of the appendicular skeleton. The study also investigated if demographic factors such as age, work experience, and academic qualifications made a difference in the radiographer’s ability to evaluate an image, based on established image evaluation criteria. Methodology This research consisted of a cross-sectional, prospective, and quantitative approach. A tool was distributed to the participants through a software (ViewDex) that was pre-downloaded on the researcher’s personal computer. A self-designed anonymous questionnaire that asked questions on participants’ demographics was also distributed. ViewDex was used to showcase a set of normal and abnormal trauma radiographs of the appendicular skeleton, together with questions related to the images. The images were obtained from online freely available websites. The access to the ViewDex programme, was made available through a unique code that was provided to each participant on the information sheet. Results Results from the study were represented by an ability score indicating the ability to evaluate the contrast, spatial resolution, and exposure parameters, of a set of normal and abnormal trauma images with a mean average of 77.44%. The image repeat score was 70.40% which represented the correct responses on the reject analysis of the selected images in the tool. These results were than compared with the participant’s demographics. Conclusions The results from the study suggested that radiographers should pursue further education via CPD’s or training regarding image evaluation criteria, to help standardise image rejection in hopes of reducing unnecessary repeats. In the data analysis chapter, indication and trends were noted however, there was no significant difference in the findings.