Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Radiation Safety in Practice: A Cross-Sectional Study on Radiographers' Knowledge, Awareness and Adherence to Personal Radiation Monitoring Devices in Resource Limited Settings.","authors":"Lindiwe Hungwe, Moneni Shilumba","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.70093","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.70093","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Diagnostic radiographers work in environments where ionizing radiation is used, making radiation protective measures essential for occupational safety. Personal Radiation Monitoring Devices (PRMDs) are used by diagnostic radiographers to monitor cumulative occupational exposure, resulting from faulty equipment or unsafe work practices; however, research indicates that strict adherence to PRMD use is not consistent. The study aimed to explore radiographers' knowledge, awareness and adherence to PRMD use in five major state hospitals in Namibia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted using an online questionnaire. Fifty radiographers from five major Namibian public hospitals were targeted through convenience sampling. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 26 to assess levels of knowledge, awareness and adherence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty radiographers participated in the study with a mean age of 32 years. Most respondents, n = 23 (77%), demonstrated adequate knowledge regarding PRMDs, with n = 26 (87%) 'strongly agreeing' that they understood the purpose of PRMDs. Regarding awareness, n = 14 (47%) showed good awareness; however, n = 22 (73%) reported not knowing their cumulative radiation exposure. Access to dose results was limited, with only n = 7 (23%) regularly reviewing their readings. Additionally, n = 22 (73%) reported that they would continue working without a PRMD.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Namibian radiographers demonstrated adequate knowledge and awareness of PRMDs; however, adherence was low. It highlights the need for stricter compliance policies and enforcement. Further research is needed to investigate barriers to consistent usage and identify effective strategies to improve adherence.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147863774","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":"What Fat Is That? Scanning Perirenal Fat: A Survey of Australasian Sonographers.","authors":"Victoria Baumann, Richard Banati, Jillian Clarke","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.70091","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.70091","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Ultrasound measures of perirenal adipose tissue (PRAT) have emerged as potentially efficient, cost-effective, and accessible methods for assessing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Our recent systematic review supported the utility of PRAT measurement using ultrasound but highlighted a lack of standardised protocols for its clinical implementation. This measurement could be added to abdominal ultrasound examinations for little added time or cost to provide an important indicator of cardiovascular-significant obesity. The aim of this survey was to explore current practices and awareness of PRAT measurement among Australasian sonographers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted an online survey of Australasian sonographers aiming to explore respondents' knowledge of the distinct types of renal adipose tissue, and their understanding of PRAT thickness and its association with CVD. We asked if they measure it and, if so, what technique they use. Responses were assessed in terms of answers to knowledge questions or ability, and of interest or engagement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Albeit a low response rate, n = 42, both student and qualified sonographers were represented from metropolitan, rural, and remote settings, with a broad range of professional experience. Knowledge of renal anatomy, PRAT links with metabolic disease, and peri-renal fat layers varied. There was no consensus in the ultrasound technique for measuring PRAT.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings revealed considerable variations in knowledge of PRAT and its clinical relevance. These differences are influenced by workplace setting, patient demographics, and level of sonographer experience. The results underscore the need for a standardised protocol to support the broader implementation of PRAT measurement in routine ultrasound practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722631","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":"Australia's Three System Approach to Mammographic Image Quality Assessment.","authors":"Kelly Bentley-Spuur, Minh T Chau","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.70089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.70089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian women, and mammography remains the gold standard for early detection. The effectiveness of mammography relies on the consistent production of high-quality images, making image evaluation systems (IES) central to quality assurance and accreditation. This narrative review examines the three different IES currently used in Australia: the acceptable/repeatable IES used in diagnostic settings as a part of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) Mammography Quality Assurance Program (MQAP), the BreastScreen Australia (BSA) Perfect (P), Good (G), Moderate (M), Inadequate (I) or PGMI IES, and emerging automated evaluation tools such as Volpara TruPGMI. Each IES has evolved from different clinical contexts, resulting in inconsistencies in application, criteria, and benchmarking across diagnostic and screening settings. The widely used PGMI IES has been heavily criticised for its subjectivity, poor reproducibility, and lack of a body of evidence linking image grades to diagnostic outcomes; indeed, there is a distinct lack of outcome-based evidence in the literature. Automated approaches offer objective and reproducible analysis but remain inconsistently integrated into accreditation frameworks and lack correlation to improvements in diagnostic outcomes. The coexistence of these three systems has led to fragmented image quality assessment practices that challenge both radiographer performance evaluation and program-level quality assurance. This narrative review highlights the need for a unified, evidence-based, and technologically aligned framework that reflects contemporary imaging practice. Standardising image evaluation across diagnostic and screening environments would enhance reliability, support professional development, and ensure that image quality monitoring meaningfully contributes to diagnostic accuracy and patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147723052","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":"Collaborative Autoethnography: A Research Method to Investigate Professional Identity of Medical Radiation Practitioners.","authors":"Michelle Fenech, Nadia Mead, Paula Kinnane","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.70090","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.70090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Professional identity (PI) encompasses the values, knowledge, skills and attitudes aligned with an individual's role in the workplace and the expectations of a professional group. Due to the changing landscape of healthcare and the extended scope of practice of medical radiation practitioners (MRPs), their PI is also evolving. A well-formed PI can assist individuals, organisations and professions. For individuals, understanding PI can provide role clarity, a clear sense of purpose and direction, career progression opportunities, enhance work motivation and satisfaction, and improve well-being. For professions or organisations, a well-defined PI can increase workforce retention, improve work productivity and professional performance, support the professional development of individuals, and the way the profession is perceived by society. An understanding of the evolving PI of MRPs is required. Collaborative autoethnography (CAE) qualitative research can be feasibly used by MRPs to investigate their PI. To undertake CAE, the steps involved in the research process must be appreciated.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147674289","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":"Comparison of Auto-Contouring Tools for Delineation of Normal Organs at Risk in Paediatric Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy.","authors":"Isabel Cant, Jonathan Sykes, Yolanda Surjan, Rachael Beldham-Collins, Laura Murphy, John Fernandez, Alison Salkeld","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.893","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.893","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Contouring organs at risk (OARs) manually in paediatric patients undergoing cranial-spinal radiation therapy (CSI) is a time-consuming, labour-intensive task. This study aims to assess the accuracy and clinical acceptability of auto-contours produced by the Siemens DirectORGANS auto-contouring software on paediatric patients receiving CSI treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Auto-contours of OARs were produced using the Siemens DirectORGANS Auto-contouring Software from 20 paediatric CSI patients datasets that had previously been manually contoured by a paediatric specialist radiation therapist (RT) for plan production. Manual and auto-contours were retrospectively analysed using quantitative (Dice Similarity Coefficient, Hausdorff Distance, Mean Distance to Agreement) and qualitative (Likert ratings, Turing test) assessment techniques.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Auto-contoured structures were clinically acceptable for use without edits 72.8% of the time, and manual contours were clinically acceptable for use 91.7% of the time. The liver was the only auto-contoured structure that performed better than the manual equivalent. Poor performance by the auto contouring tool was noted for structures surrounded by low contrast edges, such as the breasts, oesophagus, and brainstem, in both quantitative and qualitative assessment techniques. Brain auto-contours were deemed not suitable for clinical use.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The clinical acceptability of many of the auto-contours favours the implementation of this auto-contouring system for clinical use. However, prior to use, all contours should be critically assessed and edited accordingly. Our study results indicate that whilst auto-contouring tools are designed for adult populations, they are suitable for use on paediatric patients when used with caution.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"S62-S72"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121556/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144528333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and Initial Evaluation of an In-House Paediatric CT Immobilisation Device.","authors":"Maeve Masterson, Vinay Krishnan, Ahilan Kuganesan, Mohamed K Badawy","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.891","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.891","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Paediatric imaging often requires immobilisation to reduce motion artefacts, reduce the risk of repeat imaging and subsequently reduce patient radiation exposure. Commercial immobilisation devices may be expensive and infrequently used, making them difficult to justify for institutions with budget constraints. This study aimed to design and evaluate a cost-effective, in-house alternative.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An in-house CT immobilisation device was developed using acrylic and polyethylene foam, tailored for newborns under 5 kg. Image quality was assessed using a Gammex ACR phantom on a CT scanner. Hounsfield units, noise and artefacts were compared between the in-house and commercial devices. Artefacts were independently evaluated by a radiographer and a medical physicist.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The in-house device performed comparably to the commercial version, with uniformity deviation within 2 HU and noise within 2.4 SD of baseline values; artefacts were minimal for both devices. There was no significant difference between the two immobilisation devices (p = 0.711). Stability concerns with the in-house device's square base could be resolved using immobilisation straps, and future iterations should address the foam insert's porous nature.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The in-house CT immobilisation device offers a cost-effective alternative without compromising image quality, making it a viable option for healthcare institutions with limited budgets. However, its implementation would require further clinical evaluation and compliance with local regulations.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"S55-S61"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121561/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144216110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Case for Implementation Science in Medical Radiation Practice.","authors":"Laura Di Michele, Mitchell Sarkies, Nicola Creagh","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.70072","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.70072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Initiating and sustaining clinical change can be incredibly challenging. Implementation science offers methods, tools and frameworks to systematically drive the uptake of evidence-based practices, speeding uptake and driving sustained practice change. The fields of Medical Radiation Science would benefit significantly by utilising the knowledge base from the discipline of implementation science and translating this within our context to realise clinical change more effectively and contribute our own specific knowledge to this field.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"S6-S8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121538/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147307144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Continuing Professional Development - Radiation Therapy.","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.70051","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.70051","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"S126-S127"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121557/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145804801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Radiographer Preliminary Image Evaluation Accuracy in Interpreting Paediatric Trauma Radiographs.","authors":"Teresa Poon, Michael Neep, Therese Gunn","doi":"10.1002/jmrs.876","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jmrs.876","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Radiographer preliminary image evaluation (PIE) is a patient safety mechanism where radiographers provide a written comment describing potential pathology in radiographs they have acquired. This can assist emergency referrers in making a diagnosis when a radiologist's report is unavailable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of radiographer PIE in interpreting paediatric trauma radiographs in an Australian emergency department.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomised sample of paediatric radiographic examinations (aged 16 years and under) from January 2022 to June 2023 was retrospectively reviewed. The anatomical regions reviewed included the appendicular and axial skeleton, chest and abdomen. The PIE for each examination was compared to the radiologist report to indicate if the radiographer's evaluation was a true negative/positive or false negative/positive value. This was used to calculate mean sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy. Discrepant PIE interpretations were further investigated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 498 PIEs were reviewed. The overall accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 93.3%, 84.3% and 98.1%, respectively. Cases with no participation and those marked as unsure for pathology represented 0.4% and 2.6% of the sample, respectively. The extremities were identified as a region frequently misinterpreted.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Radiographers in this study maintained a high diagnostic accuracy in interpreting paediatric radiographs. PIE may complement the emergency referrer's diagnosis when a radiologist report is unavailable to promote appropriate and timely treatment for paediatric patients in the emergency department. Further research with a larger sample may support targeted training to improve PIE performance in regions frequently misinterpreted.</p>","PeriodicalId":16382,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"S35-S45"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121574/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143557125","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"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":"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":"S46-S54"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13121558/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143997891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}