Requesting and interpreting trauma radiographs: a role extension for accident & emergency nurses

Multi-professional image interpretation: Performance in preliminary clinical evaluation of appendicular radiographs

“…13,16,17 Radiographer image interpretation has been demonstrated extensively since the early work of Berman et al 49 and the systematic review by Brealey et al 89 through to the work of Piper and Paterson 16 and Coleman and Piper 17 addressing a multidisciplinary approach and in recent studies of PCE ability of radiographers in the UK, 8 South Africa 9 and Australia. 11,59,81,85 The literature review found a disposition towards qualitative research from the nursing profession discussing the role of requesting and triage of radiographic imaging in the acute setting from the UK [90][91][92][93] and Australia. 94,95 The nursing studies identified echoed the concerns raised by Snaith and Hardy 62 of an absence of details to assess study validity, highlighting a lack of radiology reporting (radiologist or reporting radiographer) participation and instead applying inadequate reference standards (image interpretations) of junior doctors, details of assessment methods, characteristics of cases, and omitted full disclosure of results and data.…”

Interpreting trauma radiographs

“…This literature review preceded a UK‐wide survey of A & E nursing practice on the requesting and interpretation of trauma radiographs (Hardy 2002), for which ethical approval had been received. The selection of published research and literary evidence focused on the interpretive accuracy of A & E doctors and nurses with respect to interpretation of trauma radiographs.…”

“…2002). This review and the research project that followed (Hardy 2002) contribute to the debate and fuel concerns about clarity, accuracy and subjectivity in relation to clinical judgement and ability. Although this review relates specifically to A & E provision in the UK, the issues surrounding development of the nursing role in A & E departments may be both familiar and relevant to international readers.…”

“…However, government‐supported expansion of the nursing role within A & E departments [Department of Health (DoH) 2001] has begun to break down the traditional barriers of professional practice (DoH 2000). Today, many nurses working in A & E departments in the UK are both requesting and interpreting radiographic examinations as part of their normal working practice (Hardy 2002).…”