{"title":"Continuing Professional Development-Medical Imaging.","authors":"Tanya Morgan","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.886","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.886","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144101756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paul Kelly, Annie K Lewis, Haoji Sima, Amy M Dennett
{"title":"Digitally Enhanced Plaster of Paris Imaging of Distal Radial Fractures Is Preferred by Orthopaedic Surgeons and Radiologists: A Single Site Survey.","authors":"Paul Kelly, Annie K Lewis, Haoji Sima, Amy M Dennett","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.890","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.890","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>X-rays of bone fractures immobilised with Plaster of Paris (POP) produce images of reduced diagnostic quality due to the increased density and irregular pattern of the POP overlying the anatomy of interest. Post-processing parameters in digital radiography (DR) can be applied to POP images to increase diagnostic quality without increasing radiation dose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preferred image quality of POP immobilised distal radius fractures using optimised digital image manipulation algorithms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional, quantitative survey study was conducted between November 2021 and December 2023 at a large metropolitan health network. The manufacturer standard algorithm and three new image post-processing algorithms were applied to pre-selected image sets. Orthopaedic surgeons (n = 34) and radiologists (n = 35) were surveyed to rank image quality of 10 random image sets (80 images in total). Data were described and analysed using median rankings, Mann-Whitney U tests and Friedman rank tests with post hoc Wilcoxin rank tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 13 orthopaedic surgeons and 14 radiologists participated. A highly enhanced algorithm using contrast boost (Algorithm D) was the most preferred set (n = 18/27) due to better visibility of bony detail and fracture sites. There was no difference in rankings between clinician groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this single site survey, both orthopaedic surgeons and radiologists preferred the highly enhanced post-processing algorithm (D) indicating that image quality can be improved using optimised digital manipulation. POP post-processing parameters with contrast boosting could be implemented to potentially increase diagnostic accuracy without increasing radiation dose for x-ray imaging of the wrist with POP.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144078430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lucy Wood, Eileen Giles, Lisa Cunningham, Hien Le, Nicole Zientara, Michala Short
{"title":"Proton Therapy Patient Selection Methods and the Impact of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional International Survey.","authors":"Lucy Wood, Eileen Giles, Lisa Cunningham, Hien Le, Nicole Zientara, Michala Short","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.885","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.885","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The COVID-19 outbreak has had far-reaching impacts on cancer services worldwide. It has yet to be described how the pandemic has impacted patient selection methods for proton therapy (PT) specifically. This survey aimed to investigate the current international methods implemented for PT patient selection and to determine whether COVID-19 has impacted PT practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A 44-question survey was conducted from 29th January 2024 to 18th March 2024 using the Qualtrics platform. PT centres in 21 countries were invited to respond to the survey regarding patient selection methods used currently and prior to the pandemic, as well as impacts of COVID-19 on patient selection and service provision. The survey was disseminated with assistance from The Particle Therapy Co-operative Group.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nine centres completed the survey: four in Europe, three in the United States of America (USA), and two in Asia. Diagnosis or indications lists, clinical trials group assignment, dose distribution, dose metrics, and expert recommendations were the most reported patient selection approaches within the last five years. Only one centre in the USA reported changes to patient selection approaches during the height of the pandemic, mainly ceasing use of clinical trial group assignment. Six of the nine centres continued to treat patients infected with COVID-19. Five respondents indicated various suspensions or delays for certain treatment groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings show most respondents did not alter their patient selection approaches during the pandemic. These findings, however, cannot be generalised to all PT centres due to the small sample size of respondents.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144008285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparing Clinical Preparedness of Newly Qualified Diagnostic Radiographers Trained With Immersive Virtual Reality vs. Traditional Simulation: A Mixed-Methods Study.","authors":"Hossein Karimi, Samantha Clarke, Emily Watson","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.882","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.882","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Preparing diagnostic radiographers for clinical roles is vital to ensure readiness for real-world scenarios. Traditional simulation methods have been central to radiography education, but virtual reality (VR) technology introduces immersive and dynamic environments that may enhance clinical preparedness. This study compares the perceptions of clinical preparedness among newly qualified radiographers trained with VR by Virtual Medical Coaching and traditional simulation methods.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-methods comparative study was conducted with 80 newly qualified radiographers from two universities. Forty were trained using VR, and forty with traditional methods. Participation in the assigned simulation methods was mandatory, but students could opt out of having their responses recorded. All invited students consented to inclusion in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus groups and objective performance measures, including input from heads of departments. Thematic analysis identified key themes in qualitative data, while quantitative data were analysed using mixed-effects models, two-way ANOVA and t-tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mixed-effects model showed that VR-trained students had significantly higher clinical preparedness scores (β = 0.905, SE = 0.106, z = 8.513, p < 0.001). T-tests revealed that VR-trained students scored higher in confidence, adaptability, technical proficiency and problem-solving skills (p < 0.0001). VR-trained radiographers also outperformed their traditionally trained counterparts in supervisor evaluations, radiograph quality and emergency performance.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>VR training enhances confidence, adaptability and technical proficiency in newly qualified radiographers. Its immersive nature, combined with immediate feedback, contributes to improved clinical preparedness. This study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating VR into radiography education.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144012034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Continuing Professional Development-Radiation Therapy.","authors":"Tanya Morgan","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.883","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.883","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143997278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mikaela Doig, Andrew Cunningham, Victoria Bedford, Hien Le, Matthew O'Connor, Eva Bezak, Nayana Parange, Amanda Hutchinson, Peter Gorayski, Michala Short
{"title":"Healthcare Professional Perspectives on Digital Health-Related Quality-of-Life Assessment in Paediatric Radiation Therapy: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Mikaela Doig, Andrew Cunningham, Victoria Bedford, Hien Le, Matthew O'Connor, Eva Bezak, Nayana Parange, Amanda Hutchinson, Peter Gorayski, Michala Short","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.880","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.880","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is not routinely evaluated using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in paediatric radiation therapy (RT). This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to HRQoL implementation in paediatric RT clinical practice and requirements for a digital PROM platform, from the perspectives of healthcare professionals.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Exploratory semi-structured interviews were conducted with multidisciplinary clinicians from two hospitals providing care to paediatric RT patients. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, descriptively coded and analysed using content analysis. Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used as a theoretical framework for data collection, analysis and interpretation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nine interviews were held with nurses (n = 3), radiation therapists (n = 3), radiation oncology registrars (n = 2) and a consultant family therapist. Participants identified digital, clinical and child-friendly features to inform platform development. All participants recognised the proposed digital platform to be of value by generating new information to support patient care. The perceived alignment with clinical workflows, potential to provide staff satisfaction and individual scope to act on PROM results were key facilitators. Clinical time pressures, transient staffing and reluctance for change were identified as potential barriers. Engagement of clinical staff and training in addressing psychosocial concerns were recommended to support clinical actioning of results and foster successful clinical uptake.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study used CFIR to systematically identify requirements for a digital platform and barriers to routine patient-reported HRQoL collection in the paediatric RT setting. The facilitators and complexities of PROM implementation can inform platform development and future implementation strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143997891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zoe Moran, Amber Loh, Annie K Lewis, Paul Kelly, Amy M Dennett
{"title":"Radiographer Preferences for Shoulder x-Ray Imaging in Australia: A National Survey.","authors":"Zoe Moran, Amber Loh, Annie K Lewis, Paul Kelly, Amy M Dennett","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.881","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.881","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Shoulder pathology is common, with many people referred for general radiography examinations. In performing these examinations, radiographers have a choice of more than 15 views to demonstrate the anatomy and pathology. The lack of guidelines for the best combination of orthogonal views in specific scenarios raises concerns for effectiveness, efficiency, and radiation safety. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the current practice by radiographers across Australia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A national, cross-sectional online survey obtained data on the views and combination of views, (protocols) preferred by Australian radiographers across five common pathological presentations. The data were analysed descriptively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data from 164 radiographers found a wide variation in shoulder imaging preferences; however, some common shoulder imaging protocols were identified for shoulder trauma presentations. The most variation and highest number of imaging protocols selected were for shoulder arthritis and impingement. Trauma and glenohumeral dislocation had the least variation and number of views selected. The three most common views across all pathologies were lateral Y scapula, anteroposterior general survey (neutral rotation), and true anteroposterior/Grashey (internal rotation). Radiographers working in private settings selected more views than those in public settings.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrates a wide variation in image preferences of Australian radiographers performing shoulder imaging. However, some common shoulder imaging protocols were identified for shoulder trauma presentations. Greater standardisation of shoulder imaging protocols may reduce unnecessary patient risk and improve the patient experience.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144063900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Junjie Huang, Fung Yu Mak, Yuet Yan Wong, Sze Chai Chan, Jonathan Poon, Ellen Tong, Clement S K Cheung, Wing Nam Wong, Ngai Tseung Cheung, Martin C S Wong
{"title":"Acceptability, benefits and barriers of electronic health record radiology image sharing: A mixed-method study.","authors":"Junjie Huang, Fung Yu Mak, Yuet Yan Wong, Sze Chai Chan, Jonathan Poon, Ellen Tong, Clement S K Cheung, Wing Nam Wong, Ngai Tseung Cheung, Martin C S Wong","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.853","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.853","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHRSS) bridges public and private healthcare providers to efficiently share and access patient medical records. This study examined the acceptability, benefits and barriers of electronic Health Record (eHR) radiology image sharing as perceived by patients and physicians. This study found radiology image sharing can help improve the management and performance of medical services, but information asymmetry and insufficient publicity still affect the development of information sharing.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Physicians who were potential adopters of radiology image sharing system in Hong Kong were recruited for the quantitative study. In-depth interviews were conducted to examine acceptability, perceived benefits, barriers and potential areas for improvement of radiology image sharing system among physicians and patients. Other descriptive data collected included age, gender, clinical experience and practice type. Correlation between predictors, acceptability and perceived benefits were examined using linear and logistic regression analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 288 surveys and 10 interviews were included. High level of user satisfaction (78.5%) with raised patient healthcare experience (82.3%) towards radiology image sharing system was observed. It was seen as highly capable to overcome limitations from using the films and traditional logistics (87.2%). System quality was a significant factor associated with acceptability (aOR = 4.307, 95% CI: 1.815-10.223, p = 0.001). Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) displayed high acceptability towards all system features, tracking patient history in particular. Patients expressed positive attitudes towards radiology image sharing and it is helpful for selecting radiology centres.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Particular features of radiology image sharing were associated with positive user acceptability and perceptions. Recommendations included enhancing promotional efforts, encouraging private institutions to enrol, data confidentiality reassurance and granting same level access to patient and provider.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143730371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Laura Feighan, Lesley MacDonald-Wicks, Robin Callister, Yolanda Surjan
{"title":"Fuelling Recovery: Is There a Role for Radiation Therapists in Optimising Nutrition for Women With Breast Cancer?","authors":"Laura Feighan, Lesley MacDonald-Wicks, Robin Callister, Yolanda Surjan","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.874","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.874","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Women with breast cancer receiving radiation therapy (RT) can experience treatment side effects and compromised quality of life. The quality of a person's diet can play a vital role in preventing cancer and other chronic diseases. Despite this, studies show many Australians do not meet the recommended guidelines for consuming a quality diet. Currently, women with breast cancer receiving RT are not routinely provided nutritional support, highlighting a possible gap in the comprehensive care of this population. This study aims to explore the dietary practices of women with breast cancer receiving RT and their perceptions of nutritional support during treatment. Furthermore, an investigation of the radiation therapists' role in providing nutritional support is considered.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study design was implemented via an online survey. The survey was offered to women with breast cancer receiving RT in Australia's Capital Territory, New South Wales and Queensland regions. The survey comprised 70 questions focused on exercise, nutritional habits and overall health. The Short Dietary Questions were used specifically for the nutrition-based questions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ninety women completed the survey; none met all recommended dietary guidelines, with only 33% consuming recommended fruit servings and 12% meeting vegetable requirements daily. While half the women reported receiving dietary guidance during RT, the content and quality of advice are unclear.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights both the dietary patterns of women with breast cancer receiving RT and their unmet needs for nutritional guidance. While nutritional support is crucial for patient wellbeing during cancer treatment, further research is needed to determine optimal approaches for diet education delivery. Specifically, investigation into how radiation therapists can effectively integrate evidence-based nutritional support into their practice to improve patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143730372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michelle P Li, Adam Yeo, Kirsty Wiltshire, Claire Phillips, Joseph Sia, Greg Wheeler, Lisa Hall
{"title":"Response to Letter to the Editor Regarding 'Is Proton Beam Therapy Always Better Than Photon Irradiation? Lessons From Two Cases'.","authors":"Michelle P Li, Adam Yeo, Kirsty Wiltshire, Claire Phillips, Joseph Sia, Greg Wheeler, Lisa Hall","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.872","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.872","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This correspondence is in response to the Letter to the Editor \"Evaluating Proton Versus Photon Therapy: A Call for Nuanced Decision-Making\". A balanced evidence-based approach that is patient-centred is needed when deciding between proton versus photon radiotherapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143719892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}