RadiographyPub Date : 2025-07-26DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.103097
M. Bäckström , Å. Engström , L.-L. Lundvall , K. Leijon-Sundqvist , K. Jonsson
{"title":"Unspoken synergy: Team interdependence with radiographers in trauma alerts - An interview and observational study of trauma teams","authors":"M. Bäckström , Å. Engström , L.-L. Lundvall , K. Leijon-Sundqvist , K. Jonsson","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103097","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103097","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>In Scandinavia, where severe trauma is rare but potentially life-threatening, trauma teams must maintain high performance despite infrequent activations. Although advancements in trauma care have reduced mortality, severe multi-trauma still carries a high mortality risk of death, requiring rapid, coordinated responses from teams of diverse professionals. This study explores the interdependence between various trauma team members, with a particular focus on how radiographers' roles are understood, integrated, and relied upon in trauma care.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative design was employed, with data collected from four Swedish hospitals through interviews and observations. Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis method guided the iterative process to identify and generate patterns in the data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analysis generated an overarching theme of <em>Team integration through behavioural interdependence</em>, along with three specific themes: (I) Collaborative interdependence: enhancing team synergy through dynamic role adaption; (II) Social interdependence: fostering trust through interpersonal relationships; and (III) Goal interdependence: aligning objectives for unified success.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings highlight the importance of team-enhancing behaviours to build high-performing trauma teams. Radiographers contribute through adaptive collaboration, technical expertise, and relational engagement. Equally important are the supportive behaviours of team members and leaders—such as clear communication, inclusion in decision-making, and recognition of radiographers' expertise—which enable radiographers to perform effectively. Clearly defined roles and shared objectives reinforce their value in trauma care.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>Effective team guidance and psychological safety are essential for improving team dynamics and outcomes. Regular, structured team reflections and joint exercises that include all professional roles, especially radiographers, and emphasise shared goals, shared knowledge, and mutual respect, can strengthen interdependence. This approach enhances team performance and supports safer, more efficient care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103097"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144704595","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}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-07-26DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.103095
D. Nishigake , Y. Yamasaki , H. Hamasaki , N. Mizoguchi , T. Kamitani , K. Sagiyama , T. Hino , K. Takakura , T. Takagi , K. Ishigami
{"title":"Development of synthetic static images derived from dynamic chest radiography as substitutes for conventional chest radiographs","authors":"D. Nishigake , Y. Yamasaki , H. Hamasaki , N. Mizoguchi , T. Kamitani , K. Sagiyama , T. Hino , K. Takakura , T. Takagi , K. Ishigami","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103095","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103095","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Dynamic chest radiography (DCR) is a recently emerging radiographic technique that uses a series of low-dose sequential chest radiographs to evaluate lung perfusion and ventilation. However, each image may be of insufficient quality to evaluate chest abnormalities as in conventional chest radiography. We aimed to develop a high-quality synthetic static image (SSI), which was generated from a series of DCR images and compared with the original DCR images and chest radiographs.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Forty healthy volunteers underwent chest radiography and DCR consecutively. SSIs were generated from the DCR images using super-resolution technology. The image quality of the 40 original DCR images, 40 chest radiographs, and 40 SSIs was compared in random order by three chest radiologists who were blinded to the volunteer data using a visual grading analysis (VGA) 5-point-score (5 criteria, score 1–5).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The total VGA scores in DCRs, chest radiographs, and SSIs were 4.05 ± 0.82, 4.65 ± 0.52, and 4.78 ± 0.43, respectively. All differences among the three groups were statistically significant. Specifically, the VGA scores of the SSIs and chest radiographs were significantly higher than those of the DCR images for all criteria. Notably, the VGA score of the SSIs was significantly higher than that of the chest radiographs, except for criteria 4.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Original DCR images have lower image quality than chest radiographs. SSI technology significantly improves the image quality of DCR, which is comparable to or higher than that of chest radiography.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>Although DCR has lower image quality compared to CR, SSI matches CR quality and can replace it, eliminating the need for additional CR imaging and reducing patient radiation exposure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103095"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144704592","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}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-07-26DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.103098
J.L. Ago , A. Kilgour , C.L. Smith , N. Pollard
{"title":"Understanding inherent requirements in Australian medical radiation science education: A document analysis of scope, structure, and professional alignment","authors":"J.L. Ago , A. Kilgour , C.L. Smith , N. Pollard","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103098","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103098","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Inherent requirements are essential characteristics that enable students to achieve required professional capabilities. This study explores the availability and structure of medical radiation science inherent requirements, and their alignment with professional standards, across Australian tertiary institutions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A document analysis design was employed to review publicly available inherent requirements from accredited undergraduate medical radiation science programs. The ‘READ’ approach was used. This involved (i) readying the inherent requirement statements, (ii) extracting data, (iii) analysing, and (iv) distilling data through content analysis. Data analysis and synthesis focused on availability, structure, and content of the inherent requirements.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Out of 11 institutions, nine had publicly available inherent requirements. The analysis revealed variability in the structure and content of the available statements. While some institutions aligned their inherent requirements with professional standards (n = 5), there were inconsistencies in the inclusion of justification statements and medical radiation science-specific exemplars. Key domains identified included communication, cognitive ability, strength and mobility, professionalism, and reflective and relational skills. In contrast, sustainable performance and legal compliance were less frequently addressed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study highlights the importance of clear communication around inherent requirements and the provision of reasonable adjustments to support students. Consistency and clarity in inherent requirements are essential for ensuring that students can make informed decisions about their suitability for the medical radiation science profession. Aligning inherent requirements with required capability standards is crucial for maintaining authenticity of academic requirements and ensuring that graduates are fit to practise.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>In developing medical radiation science inherent requirements, educators should include justification statements and exemplars, clearly communicate the scope of reasonable adjustments that can be made and align inherent requirements with professional capability standards. Future research should explore students' and educators' perspectives on the implementation, enforcement of inherent requirements, and their practical role in supporting students’ coping and resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103098"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144704593","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}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-07-26DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.103096
J. Ta , S. Jia , B. Seyer , J. McInerney
{"title":"Radiographers’ knowledge and attitudes toward people who are gender and sexually diverse (GSD)","authors":"J. Ta , S. Jia , B. Seyer , J. McInerney","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103096","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103096","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Gender and sexually diverse (GSD) people, including those identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+), face significant barriers to accessing safe and equitable healthcare. While some studies on GSD patients in medical imaging exist, few focus on the perspectives of Australian radiographers. Within medical imaging, GSD patients report negative experiences due to social stigma, healthcare providers’ lack of awareness, and environmental factors. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of Australian radiographers toward providing safe, high-quality care for people who are GSD.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An anonymous online survey, combining quantitative data from multiple-choice Likert-scale questions with qualitative data from open-ended questions was distributed to Australian radiographers via Australia Society for Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>122 radiographers responded and qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Five themes were identified via thematic analysis and supported by analysing Likert-scale responses: education and training, communication, psychosocial safety, conflation of sex assigned at birth and gender identity, and perceptions of equal treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Findings indicate that while many radiographers understand the importance of GSD-inclusive care, there is lack of confidence in appropriate communication with GSD patients. Respondents expressed a desire for further education and clear departmental protocols to improve care for GSD patients. However, several radiographers believe GSD-inclusive care has limited relevance to radiography and saw it as an overcomplication of the role of the radiographer.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>The results highlight the need for further education and systemic changes in radiographic practice. This research reveals current gaps in knowledge and practice, emphasising the importance of fostering a more inclusive, supportive healthcare environment for GSD patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103096"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144704594","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}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-07-18DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.103094
V.D. Atuwo-Ampoh , G. Whajah , B. Ofori-Manteaw , P. Addo , N.A. Angaag
{"title":"Stress and coping mechanisms among undergraduate radiography students: A single centre study in Ghana","authors":"V.D. Atuwo-Ampoh , G. Whajah , B. Ofori-Manteaw , P. Addo , N.A. Angaag","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103094","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103094","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Students go through various forms of stress at some point in their studies, which tend to affect their general well-being, mental state, and academic performance. This study examined stress levels and coping mechanisms among undergraduate radiography students in a Ghanaian university.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A quantitative cross-sectional survey was employed in the study. An adopted questionnaire containing mostly closed-ended questions was used in gathering the data from radiography students in their second, third or fourth year of study. The results were then analysed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 101 students took part in the study, representing a response rate of 91 %. A significant proportion of students (40.6 %) reported very high stress levels (4.1 ± 0.9), primarily due to academic (examinations, grading system), personal (health issues, peer support), and clinical (fear of mistakes, workload) stressors. However, statistical analysis showed no significant differences in stress perception across gender (p = 0.31), accommodation status (p = 0.66), level of study (p = 0.77) or cumulative grade point average (p = 0.46). Common effects included fatigue (93.1 %), headaches (85.1 %), and difficulty concentrating (81.1 %). Coping strategies varied, with students frequently engaging in internet use (93.1 %), taking breaks (79.2 %), meditation (76.3 %) and spending time with family and friends (80.1 %).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study identified high stress levels among undergraduate radiography students in Ghana, with academic, personal, and clinical factors as major contributors. While students adopted various coping mechanisms, institutional interventions are needed to support student well-being and academic success.</div></div><div><h3>Implication for practice</h3><div>The findings underscore the need for institutional policies that support student well-being, including structured stress management programs and modifications to academic workloads.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103094"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144654101","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}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-07-18DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.103093
A. Cooke , K. Cox , S. Blane , E. Cox , M. Holmes
{"title":"Radiographer educational requirements for adaptive radiotherapy techniques: A mixed-methods regional scoping study","authors":"A. Cooke , K. Cox , S. Blane , E. Cox , M. Holmes","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103093","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103093","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>In the study region an off-line approach is currently taken to adaptive radiotherapy delivery with plans to implement on-line approaches imminently. This is a step-change in how radiotherapy is delivered and represents a shift in traditional professional roles and responsibilities. This research aimed to explore therapeutic radiographer educational needs at a regional level and strategise how the therapeutic radiographer workforce can be enabled to deliver on-line adaptive radiotherapy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A mixed methods study was undertaken consisting of a quantitative on-line survey followed by qualitative interviews and a focus group. Survey invites were sent to all registered therapeutic radiographers in the region. All survey participants were invited to a focus group. There were 32 respondents to the survey and six focus group participants from all three radiotherapy centres in the region. There were four interview participants who were local service and education leads.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>16 of 32 survey participants were moderately familiar with the concept of adaptive radiotherapy but 22 participants felt not confident at all or slightly confident to adapt treatment plans. A key area for development was decision making and clinical judgment prior to plan adaptation. Upskilling radiographers were seen as essential and inter-disciplinary collaborations were key to this, particular with physicist, dosimetrist and clinical oncologists. Robust educational programmes were identified as a requirement at and pre and post registration level.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion and implications for practice</h3><div>The academic underpinning of adaptive radiotherapy needs to be addressed to streamline the rapid uptake of advanced radiotherapy technologies. There was a consensus that a regional, inter-organisational approach to addressing radiographer educational needs is warranted to ensure efficiency and sustainability of clinical on-line adaptive radiotherapy implementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103093"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144654100","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}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-07-17DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.103092
J F Arbid, P C Brennan, D Abu Awwad, S J Lewis, D Hausermann, E Engels, M Warrillow, Y A Jimenez, C J Hall, T A Leatham, S Thursky, T Batty, S Tavakoli Taba
{"title":"Women's tolerance of breast propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (PB-CT) positioning procedure.","authors":"J F Arbid, P C Brennan, D Abu Awwad, S J Lewis, D Hausermann, E Engels, M Warrillow, Y A Jimenez, C J Hall, T A Leatham, S Thursky, T Batty, S Tavakoli Taba","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103092","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2025.103092","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (PB-CT) as an advanced experimental imaging modality for breast cancer detection is nearing its world-first clinical trial. Due to the stationary synchrotron X-ray beam, participants must be rotated to capture CT data, yet tolerance to this rotation remains unassessed.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants underwent a simulated PB-CT procedure involving breast cups fitting and bed rotations at 10, 20, and 30° per second (°/s). The 30°/s rotation was repeated under eyes-open, eyes-closed, and breath-held conditions. Comfort was assessed via the Fast Motion Sickness Scale (FMS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - State (STAI-S), comfort questionnaire, and debriefing questions. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon tests (baseline vs. each speed), a Friedman test (across all speeds), and a Kruskal-Wallis test (breath-hold condition).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 27 female participants (median age-range 30-39; interquartile range (IQR) 30-39, >50), 14 completed the breath-hold condition. FMS scores significantly increased at 20°/s (p = 0.002) and 30°/s (p < 0.001); however, median sickness scores remained low across all speeds and conditions, with a maximum median of 2 out of 20, where 0 represents \"no sickness\" and 20 \"severe sickness.\" STAI-S scores show no significant changes across speeds and conditions, suggesting that while faster rotations may increase physical discomfort, discomfort is limited, and participants' anxiety remains unaffected.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Breast PB-CT 3D imaging can be comfortably conducted at rotation speeds relevant to future clinical trials.</p><p><strong>Implications for practice: </strong>As PB-CT nears clinical translation, assessing procedural comfort is essential for developing patient-centered protocols that balance experience and image quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":" ","pages":"103092"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144668686","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}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-07-16DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.103087
B.N. Karahan , E. Emekli
{"title":"Comparison of applicability, difficulty, and discrimination indices of multiple-choice questions on medical imaging generated by different AI-based chatbots","authors":"B.N. Karahan , E. Emekli","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103087","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103087","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Creating high-quality multiple-choice questions (MCQs) is vital in health education, particularly in fields like medical imaging. AI-based chatbots have emerged as a tool to automate this process. This study evaluates the applicability, difficulty, and discrimination indices of MCQs generated by various AI chatbots for medical imaging education.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>80 MCQs were generated by seven AI-based chatbots (Claude 3, Claude 3.5, ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4.0, Copilot, Gemini, Turin Q, and Writesonic) using lecture materials. These questions were evaluated for relevance, accuracy, and originality by radiology faculty, and then administered to 56 students and 12 research assistants. The questions were analyzed using Miller's Pyramid to assess cognitive levels, with difficulty and discrimination indices calculated.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>AI-based chatbots generated MCQs suitable for medical imaging education, with 72.5 % of the questions deemed appropriate. Most questions assessed recall (79.31 %), suggesting that AI models excel at generating basic knowledge questions but struggle with higher cognitive skills. Differences in question quality were noted between chatbots, with Claude 3 being the most reliable. The difficulty index averaged 0.62, indicating a moderate level of difficulty, but some models produced easier questions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>AI chatbots show promise for automating MCQ creation in health education, though most questions focus on recall. For AI to fully support health education, further development is needed to improve question quality, especially in higher cognitive domains.</div></div><div><h3>Implication for practice</h3><div>AI-based chatbots can support educators in generating MCQs, especially for assessing basic knowledge in medical imaging. While useful for saving time, expert review remains essential to ensure question quality and to address higher-level cognitive skills. Integrating AI tools into assessment workflows may enhance efficiency, provided there is appropriate oversight.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103087"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144634111","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}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-07-15DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.103089
B. Chinene , O. Bwanga , L. Mudadi , W. Matika , E.Y. Mushosho , L.C. Mutandiro , C. Kahari
{"title":"Radiographers' perceptions regarding the interpretation and reporting of musculoskeletal radiographic images in Zimbabwe","authors":"B. Chinene , O. Bwanga , L. Mudadi , W. Matika , E.Y. Mushosho , L.C. Mutandiro , C. Kahari","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103089","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103089","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Understanding radiographers' perceptions regarding interpreting and reporting musculoskeletal (MSK) radiographic images is crucial for enhancing healthcare outcomes, optimizing resource use, and creating a supportive work environment for radiographers. However, there is a significant gap in the literature due to the lack of research on this topic within Zimbabwe. This study aimed to evaluate these perceptions, identify barriers, and support the integration of radiographers into the reporting process.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional online survey consecutively sampled diagnostic radiographers registered with the Allied Health Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe (n = 415). Data were analyzed using Stata 13, with descriptive statistics presented as frequencies and graphical representations. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed employing principal component analysis (PCA) to identify underlying patterns in the data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 108 radiographers took part in the survey (54 % response rate). The majority of radiographers in Zimbabwe (98.15 %) believe that allowing them to report on MSK radiographic images would optimize their skills and knowledge. Additionally, 93.46 % expressed willingness to provide written diagnostic reports if trained. Factor analysis revealed two main factors influencing perceptions: the need to extend radiographers' scope of practice and the necessity of reporting in clinical settings. Furthermore, 99.07 % of radiographers agreed on the need for additional training in reporting, with a preference for part-time blended learning courses at the postgraduate level.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study shows Zimbabwean radiographers are willing to interpret and report MSK radiographic images, indicating potential benefits for patient care, reduced waiting times, and job satisfaction. However, successful implementation requires addressing training gaps, establishing postgraduate education programs, and integrating AI for accurate diagnoses.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>The study underscores the importance of recognizing and harnessing the capabilities of radiographers in Zimbabwe.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103089"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144632443","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}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-07-15DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.103091
A. Bellizzi , J. Portelli , P. Bezzina , G. Galea , F. Zarb
{"title":"Optimisation of non-contrast CT examinations using tin (Sn) filtration: A systematic review","authors":"A. Bellizzi , J. Portelli , P. Bezzina , G. Galea , F. Zarb","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103091","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.103091","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>This systematic review explores the impact of Tin (Sn) filtration on radiation dose and image quality improvement in CT.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework, the research question was developed: How does the application of Sn filtration as part of an optimisation strategy affect clinical outcomes related to radiation dose and image quality? MeSH search terms derived from this question were input into five databases: PUBMED, Scopus, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Central, and ProQuest Health & Medical Collection. Studies were independently screened by three experts using PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria focused on adult clinical studies using Sn filtration in non-contrast CT scans alongside iterative reconstruction (IR). Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tool.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A final 39 studies were included for evaluation. Sn with IR was used to optimise scanning in 10 different types of CT examinations. The use of Sn with IR resulted in a significant dose reduction (20–95 %) across all examinations. Most studies did not compare Sn with IR optimised examinations against standard examinations (without Sn) using a consistent, pre-set noise level, and reported an increase in image noise.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Sn is an effective dose reduction strategy for non-contrast CT examinations, but its limitations in terms of objective image quality warrant careful consideration by adjusting the IR level. Further studies are needed to confirm this approach.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>The findings support broader consideration of Sn filtration beyond its current use in a single CT vendor. However, wider adoption may face barriers such as vendor-specific hardware limitations, cost, and the need for training and protocol optimisation in clinical practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 5","pages":"Article 103091"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144631133","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}