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.