A survey of UK hand therapists' confidence in the interpretation of hand radiographs

Abstract

Objective To describe current practice among hand therapists in the UK when ordering and interpreting radiographs in clinical practice, in order to define confidence and establish national baselines. To highlight, promote discussion and propose the possible requirement for standardized education and a formal systematic assessment protocol for radiographic interpretation. Methods All British Association Hand Therapist (BAHT) registered centres in the UK were sent questionnaires and data collections sheets in order to ascertain current practice. Results The data suggest that of the 75 hand therapy centres in the UK who participated in this study 50.6% have therapists ordering radiographs. Of these 36% have formalized teaching and only 5.3% use a formal systematic assessment protocol for hand radiograph interpretation. The average confidence level on a visual analogue scale (VAS) was 5 (some confidence) with only four centres demonstrating above 6 (confident). Increased confidence levels were found to be associated with the availability of formal training and systematic assessment tools. Conclusion Centres using formalized training demonstrated a higher level of confidence than those without. The highest levels of confidence were in those centres whose therapists used a formal systematic assessment tool. The data collected suggests an education programme and standardized assessment protocol may assist the confidence of hand therapists in the radiographic assessment of hands.