Radiographers' performance in chest X-ray interpretation: the Nigerian experience

Diagnostic accuracy of chest radiograph interpretation by graduate radiographers in Uganda

“…A chest radiograph has also been reported to be one of the most common radiological investigations in other parts of the world. [1,2] Furthermore, chest radiographs constitute >20% of all radiological investigations in imaging departments. [2][3][4][5] The interpretation of chest X-ray images has long been the domain of radiologists, although radiographers are now increasingly taking on this role.…”

“…[1,2] Furthermore, chest radiographs constitute >20% of all radiological investigations in imaging departments. [2][3][4][5] The interpretation of chest X-ray images has long been the domain of radiologists, although radiographers are now increasingly taking on this role. [6] While radiologists are medical doctors with postgraduate training in radiology, radiographers are not trained in clinical medicine, and had traditionally been trained to operate equipment to produce images.…”

“…However, it has also been reported that, globally, there are few radiologists compared with the number of patients who require radiological reports. [2] This is exacerbated in low-income countries, where radiologists are concentrated in tertiary hospitals in urban areas. [2] Therefore, most of the rural and remote areas have only radiographers.…”

“…[2] This is exacerbated in low-income countries, where radiologists are concentrated in tertiary hospitals in urban areas. [2] Therefore, most of the rural and remote areas have only radiographers. [7] For example, in 2014 there were 220 radio logists in Nigeria to serve a population of >150 million.…”

Mammographic Breast Density: Comparison Across Women with Conclusive and Inconclusive Mammography Reports

“…Nigerian radiographers have been shown to demonstrate good potential for x-ray interpretation [39], and mammography reporting by radiographers has been shown to be successful in countries like Mexico [38], United Kingdom, and the United States [40].…”