A survey of radiographers' confidence and self‐perceived accuracy in frontline image interpretation and their continuing educational preferences

IntroductionA Radiographer Abnormality Detection System (RADS), such as the ‘red dot system’, involves radiographers highlighting the presence of potential acute abnormalities on radiographs in the emergency setting. The literature suggests little additional training is required of radiographers to participate in such a system, posing little impact on current workflow while remaining a cost‐effective, easy‐to‐implement program. However, its use outside the United Kingdom is sporadic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of use of a RADS in Queensland public hospitals.MethodsA cross‐sectional web‐based questionnaire was developed and distributed to 28 medical imaging department directors throughout metropolitan, rural and remote Queensland (Australia) public hospitals. The results of this survey were analysed using conventional descriptive statistics of response frequencies and the percentage of the sample.ResultsThe questionnaire was completed by 25 radiography directors (89% response rate). Sixteen percent of respondents, all metropolitan‐based, indicated a RADS was in operation (n = 4/25; 16%). Respondents without a RADS (n = 21/21; 100%) expressed interest in a trial. Just over half (n = 13/25; 52%) of the respondents believed their staff members were not trained appropriately to implement a RADS successfully.ConclusionThis study found an infrequent use of RADSs in Queensland public hospitals. This finding presents a unique opportunity for medical imaging professionals to enhance communication between the facets of a multidisciplinary emergency team via the implementation of RADS complemented by a radiographer commenting system.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An investigation into the use of radiographer abnormality detection systems by Queensland public hospitals

Murphy

Neep

2018

“…Radiographic image interpretation is intricately linked to diagnosis, and as a result, radiographers have not historically been formally educated and trained in identifying and describing pathology on radiographs. This leaves a gap in their knowledge, skills and abilities, which leads to a lack of confidence 14. Furthermore, unequal power relationships may cause those positioned at the base of the hierarchical pyramid, such as radiographers, to remain silent 22…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The ‘radiographer–referrer game’: image interpretation dynamics in rural practice

Squibb

Smith

Dalton

et al. 2016

IntroductionEffective interprofessional communication is intrinsic to safe health care. Despite the identified positive impact of collaborative radiographic interpretation between rural radiographers and referrers, communication difficulties still exist. This article describes the strategies that Australian rural radiographers use for communication of their radiographic opinion to the referring doctor.MethodsIn a two‐phase interpretive doctoral study completed in 2012, data were collected from radiographers working in rural New South Wales, Western Australia and Tasmania using a paper based questionnaire followed by in‐depth semistructured interviews. Data were analysed thematically in order to identify, analyse and report the emergent themes.ResultsThe overarching theme was Patient Advocacy, where in the interest of patient care radiographers took measures to ensure that a referring doctor did not miss radiographic abnormalities. Strong interprofessional relationships enabled direct communication pathways. Interprofessional boundaries shaped by historical hierarchical relationships, together with a lack of confidence and educational preparation for radiographic interpretation result in barriers to direct communication pathways. These barriers prompted radiographers to pursue indirect communication pathways, such as side‐stepping and hint and hope.ConclusionA lack of formal communication pathways and educational preparation for this role has resulted in radiographers playing the radiographer–referrer game to overtly or covertly assist referrers in reaching a radiographic diagnosis. The findings from this study may be used to plan interventions for strengthening interprofessional communication pathways and improve quality of healthcare for patients.

“…Unfortunately, delay between radiographic image capture and the availability of the radiologist's report can contribute to missed, incomplete or incorrect diagnoses . One approach to mitigate risk and better support junior or inexperienced members of the referring clinical team is the recording of a brief comment by the radiographer at the time of image capture to highlight any abnormalities they may have detected …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…2,6,7 One approach to mitigate risk and better support junior or inexperienced members of the referring clinical team is the recording of a brief comment by the radiographer at the time of image capture to highlight any abnormalities they may have detected. [8][9][10][11] It has been suggested that radiographer commenting that highlights and describes acute abnormalities at the point of care may enhance patient management in hospital emergency departments. 10,[12][13][14] However, this enhancement is dependent on radiographers' ability to detect and describe abnormalities when viewing and interpreting trauma radiographs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluating the effectiveness of intensive versus non‐intensive image interpretation education for radiographers: a randomised control trial study protocol

Neep

Steffens

Eastgate

et al. 2018

Self Cite

Radiographer commenting systems have not been successfully implemented in many Australian hospitals, despite evidence of their benefit and adoption elsewhere, such as the United Kingdom. An important contributor to the lack of widespread adoption of radiographer commenting in Australia (and likely elsewhere) is the limited availability of accessible education options for radiographers. The purpose of this randomised controlled trial is to compare the effectiveness of the same image interpretation education program delivered over an intensive 2‐day period (intensive format) versus a series of shorter regular workshops (non‐intensive format). The study design is a multicentre, stratified (by years of experience) two group parallel‐arm single‐blind (assessor blinded) randomised controlled trial. Participants will be allocated to one of the two groups: (1) intensive format of education or (2) non‐intensive format of education in a 1:1 ratio. Participants will undergo assessments before education, at 1 week post‐intervention completion and at 12 weeks post‐intervention completion. Findings from this trial will be of relevance to radiographers seeking image interpretation training as well as organisations providing image interpretation education to prepare clinical staff for participation in a radiographer commenting system. A limitation of the trial is that the sample will be inclusive of radiographers, and findings may not be able to be directly extrapolated to other clinical disciplines (e.g. junior doctors, physiotherapists or nurse practitioners).