Open AccessAn investigation into the use of radiographer abnormality detection systems by Queensland public hospitals
Author(s) -
Murphy Andrew,
Neep Michael
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of medical radiation sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.484
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 2051-3909
pISSN - 2051-3895
DOI - 10.1002/jmrs.278
Subject(s) - metropolitan area , workflow , medicine , public hospital , descriptive statistics , family medicine , medical emergency , sample (material) , public health , cross sectional study , medical education , nursing , computer science , pathology , statistics , mathematics , database , chemistry , chromatography
A Radiographer Abnormality Detection System ( RADS ), such as the ‘red dot system’, involves radiographers highlighting the presence of potential acute abnormalities on radiographs in the emergency setting. The literature suggests little additional training is required of radiographers to participate in such a system, posing little impact on current workflow while remaining a cost‐effective, easy‐to‐implement program. However, its use outside the United Kingdom is sporadic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of use of a RADS in Queensland public hospitals. Methods A cross‐sectional web‐based questionnaire was developed and distributed to 28 medical imaging department directors throughout metropolitan, rural and remote Queensland (Australia) public hospitals. The results of this survey were analysed using conventional descriptive statistics of response frequencies and the percentage of the sample. Results The questionnaire was completed by 25 radiography directors (89% response rate). Sixteen percent of respondents, all metropolitan‐based, indicated a RADS was in operation ( n = 4/25; 16%). Respondents without a RADS ( n = 21/21; 100%) expressed interest in a trial. Just over half ( n = 13/25; 52%) of the respondents believed their staff members were not trained appropriately to implement a RADS successfully. Conclusion This study found an infrequent use of RADS s in Queensland public hospitals. This finding presents a unique opportunity for medical imaging professionals to enhance communication between the facets of a multidisciplinary emergency team via the implementation of RADS complemented by a radiographer commenting system.