Improving teaching and learning of ethics and human rights in the radiography undergraduate programme with the HECAF model

Abstract: Education for healthcare professionals, including radiography, is focused on cognitive, affective and psychomotor learning. The aim of this article is to present and argue for the consideration of the HECAF model, which is designed to improve the teaching and learning of Ethics and Human Rights in the radiography undergraduate programme. This model was developed as a result of a qualitative study using action research as a research design. There were two phases, namely situation analysis and appreciative inquiry. The study used multiple data collection tools. Quantitative data was collected during phase one and qualitative data was collected in phase two. Content analysis was appropriate because it could be used for both quantitative and qualitative data. Participants were facilitators of learning, third-year radiography students and clinical supervisors from the eight higher education institutions that offer radiography education and training in South Africa. Ethical approval was granted. The HECAF model is presented as a strategy that can improve the teaching and learning of Ethics and Human Rights in the undergraduate radiography programme. HECAF is as an acronym for humanness, environment, core curriculum, assessment and feedback. It is argued in this article that the HECAF model can contribute to enhancing professional conduct and ethical behaviour in the clinical radiography environment

Perceptions of radiographers regarding establishing a self-regulatory body for radiation safety in Eswatini

INTRODUCTION : Eswatini remains one of the countries in Southern Africa without a regulating authority for radiation safety in the radiography departments. Quality control (QC) tests and radiation protection practices are unmonitored. This study sought to explore radiographers’ perceptions regarding establishing a self-regulatory body that will formulate, implement and monitor compliance of standardised guidelines for radiation safety. METHODS : A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research approach was undertaken. Radiographers currently registered and practicing in Eswatini were purposively selected and invited to participate. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Audiotapes and field notes were used. Audio taped interviews were transcribed verbatim and then analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS : Six themes emerged from the analysis of data, namely; a) awareness of the need for QC tests, b) radiation protection and safety in the radiography departments, c) radiographers’ responsibility towards radiation protection, d) education and training in radiation safety for radiographers and other stakeholders, e) support from governmental and management structures and f) the need for the self-regulatory body in the radiography departments. CONCLUSION : The study demonstrated that there is awareness among radiographers in Eswatini that radiation safety practices are necessary in the radiography departments. Continuous education and training were deemed as imperative to improve radiation safety in the radiography departments. There is also support for the idea of establishing the self-regulatory body. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE : The need for monitoring structures in order to ensure radiation safety in the radiography departments is highlighted in this study. Government officials and hospital management are crucial in ensuring radiation safety in radiography departments.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/radihj2022Radiograph

A quantitative study to determine the efficacy of occipitomental facial views in diagnosing fractures by trauma consultants at an academic hospital in Johannesburg

Radiography on patients who sustain facial bone fractures form the largest workload in the trauma department at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in South Africa. These examinations are performed on patients who are either intoxicated or badly injured thus very little cooperation can be guaranteed. The researchers observed that the trauma consultants make a diagnosis from one or two out of the four projections routinely performed. Depending on the findings from these radiographs, some of the patients are referred for computer tomography (CT); others are managed consecutively. Previous studies on the choice of diagnostic modality to use for facial bone trauma ranged from conventional radiography, CT and ultrasound. METHODS : A retrospective, quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted. Two trauma consultants(#1 and #2) were invited to each analyse 35 plain-film occipitomental (OM) 15° and 35 plain-film occipitomental (OM) 30° images (n=70). The findings of the trauma consultants were related to those of the radiologists, which was estimated to be 90%. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION : Kappa statistics were used to analyse the results. Participant #1 achieved 88.57% and participant #2 achieved 80% for a positive diagnosis. Their assessment of the images were similar to published studies. CONCLUSION : The results indicated that OM 15° and OM 30° radiographs were sufficient as a screening tool for mid-facial bone trauma. Accurate diagnostic information can be obtained from two instead of the four projections currently performed.http://www.sorsa.org.zaam201

A board game to enhance teaching and learning in the Radiographic Technique module: A pilot study

Gamification is used encourage the learner to participate in a competitive activity, to encourage engagement and desire to learn. In the Radiographic Practice module, students learn three core radiography performance standards; professionalism, technique and clinical performance. To address these standards, a pilot radiography board game was developed to determine its effectiveness at improving engagement and interest with learning material and its use as a teaching and learning tool. A qualitative, explorative descriptive research design was used, involving focus group interviews with the radiography students. The students recommended some changes and adjustments on the game design and dynamics. They further described the board game as a fun activity and demonstrated that it was possible to learn whilst engaging with the subject material and group discussions. The board game enabled the students to apply critical thinking skills and be introduced the concept of professionalism in the clinical setting

Comparison of the perceived image quality between two digital imaging systems for neonatal bedside radiography – a case study

BACKGROUND : Chest X-rays are performed daily in the neonatal intensive care and high care units. The skill of the radiographer is critical for obtaining the best image quality and limiting the patient's radiation exposure. The literature states that indirect flat panel detectors produce images of superior quality in comparison to computed radiography systems. At Steve Biko Academic Hospital a decision was made to revert from the direct digital radiography (DR) system to the computed radiography (CR) system, due to poor image quality experienced. METHOD : The case study objective was to conduct a comparative analysis describing key technical factors contributing to image quality. The analysis entailed retrospectively comparing the images obtained during 2010 and 2011. An image analysis form was utilised in evaluating the technical aspects of the image. A total of 160 images were viewed by 16 participants sampled from the radiography, radiology and paediatric departments. The participants were asked to re-evaluate two of their allotted images after five days to determine their reliability. RESULTS : Findings were that the DR system provides significantly better image quality than the CR system (p < 0.05) for all the technical factors evaluated. However technical improvements are recommended. A wide variance in intra-observer reliability was also found. CONCLUSION : This case study demonstrated that DR images were considered to be superior to CR images. Recommendations include: a standardised technique for imaging the neonates; optimisation of the imaging software for the digital detectors, improved feedback systems in terms of exposure index values, and the training of radiographers and referring physicians in technical image analysis.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/radihj201

Checklists for interpreting chest radiographs : a scoping review protocol

AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIALS : Not applicable as this is a protocol for a scoping review. The search strategy has been discussed.INTRODUCTION : What is known about checklists for interpreting chest radiographs? The question will guide the development of the inclusion criteria for the scoping review. Breaking down the scoping review question will allow the evaluation of inclusion and exclusion criteria for the protocol. The eligibility of the proposed research question will be assessed using the Population or Participants, Concept and Context (PCC) framework. BACKGROUND : X-ray reporting can be standardised using checklists. Checklists may reduce the time needed to produce a comprehensive X-ray report and improve the quality and consistency of detecting abnormalities on chest radiographs. This scoping review aims to map the available literature on what is known about checklists for interpreting chest radiographs. METHODS : We will follow the methodological framework for scoping reviews originally described by Arksey and O’Malley. The scoping review will include articles that describe checklists for reducing diagnostic errors, checklists for analysing chest radiographs, checklists for identifying abnormalities on chest radiographs and checklists for reporting chest radiographs in all settings. Search terms are chest radiographs, checklists, and chest X-rays. We will search for peer-reviewed articles and grey literature including dissertations and theses. We will search online databases including Ovid Medline and Ebscohost, to identify articles published in English from 1994 to 2022. The searched articles will undergo two levels of screening, first the title and abstract screening, then a full-text screening by two reviewers. Data from the selected articles will be extracted, using a tested extraction form and charted using the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. RESULTS : The results will be collated, summarised and discussed including any limitations of the included articles. The articles will be summarised in a table, as well as narratively. The distribution of studies will be summarised quantitatively and the numerical analysis will provide an overview and identify knowledge gaps. Content analysis will map different checklists available for chest interpretation. DISCUSSION : The results of the scoping review will be used to develop a checklist that will be used by medical doctors in collaboration with radiographers working in settings where there are no radiologists on-site, for interpreting chest radiographs. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION : Scoping review protocol registered with Open Science Framework on 27 July 2022. Registration https:// doi. org/ 10. 17605/ OSF. IO/ JS5PQ.https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.comam2024PhysiotherapyRadiographyNon

A survey of South African radiographers’ and radiologists’ opinions on role extension for radiographers

Role extension for radiographers in South Africa is driven by the need to improve service delivery challenges and the radiographers’ need for professional recognition. The two areas earmarked for role extension are injection of contrast media and reporting on radiographs. This study was conducted to determine the willingness of diagnostic radiographers to extend their roles and gather the opinions of radiologists regarding this role extension. A quantitative, descriptive, exploratory and cross-sectional study was conducted. A sample of 300 radiographers and 30 radiologists was taken from a population of 7771 radiographers and 885 radiologists as per the Health Professions Council of South Africa register (HPCSA). Survey Monkey was used for making questionnaires accessible to all participants. The level of significance was fixed at 5%. Sixty-eight percent of radiographers agreed in principle to injection of contrast media and only 25.5% agreed to provide a written report on the interpretation of radiographs. Eighty percent of radiologists agreed in principle to radiographers injecting contrast media and only 11.6% agreed to radiographers providing a written report on the interpretation of radiographs. The participants gave an average response of 74.4% on the need for radiologists to take responsibility for the adverse reactions that may results from injecting contrast media. Radiographers and radiologists supported the need for further education and training and role extension for injecting contrast media. There is concern over the ‘no one’ response as to who performs radiologists’ work and how this impacted on service delivery.http://www.ajol.info/journal_index.php?jid=153&ab=ajpherd2017-12-31am201

Bringing literature to life : a digital animation to teach analogue concepts in radiographic imaging during a pandemic - lessons learnt

The fourth industrial revolution is upon us, bringing with it modern trends and new imaging equipment and techniques to radiography. While resource-rich institutions have successfully moved from analogue to digital equipment, many institutions in resource-constrained countries still depend on analogue equipment to deliver radiographic services to their communities. Radiography relies heavily on analogue and digital machines to create images for diagnostic purposes, and it is important that radiography students are trained in both these aspects to align their skills with the available resources in different healthcare settings. Undergraduate radiography students in our department have to attend both work-integrated learning and formal face-to-face contact sessions.http://www.sajs.org.za/index.php/ajhpeam2021Education InnovationRadiograph

Diagnostic radiographers’ experiences when interacting with the custodians of paediatric patients presenting for general radiographic imaging

INTRODUCTION : Radiographic imaging of children presents several complexities, one of which includes their reliance on an adult to take care of them. Literature reports on investigations that focused on interactions of healthcare professionals with children and their parents or guardians in the healthcare setting, but little is known about radiographers’ interactions with different custodians of paediatric patients. This study sought to explore and describe the experiences of radiographers with the different custodians of paediatric patients and assess how these custodians contribute to the outcomes of radiographic examinations. METHODS : A qualitative, exploratory descriptive design was undertaken. Purposive sampling was used to select 25 radiographers from four health institutions in the Tshwane region of South Africa. Semi-structured interviews, audiotapes and field notes were used to collect data. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the transcribed data. RESULTS : The following three themes emerged, namely; a) communication with different custodians, b) a radiographer's role in suspected physical abuse (SPA) and c) radiographers' responsibilities and associated radiation concerns. CONCLUSION : Radiographers experienced different communication and interaction challenges in the imaging department with various custodians of paediatric patients. These impacted service deliveries. The paediatric patient's reaction in the imaging room might further affect the interaction between the radiographer and the custodian. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE : There is a need for further studies that explore the concerns that radiographers have regarding their limited role in SPA. In addition, the study also adds to increasing awareness of both health professionals and the general public on radiation protection and safety.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/radihj2022Radiograph

Barriers and enablers for implementation of digital-linked diagnostics models at point-of-care in South Africa : stakeholder engagement

AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIALS : All data analyzed in the study is available upon written request from the corresponding author.The integration of digital technologies holds significant promise in enhancing accessibility to disease diagnosis and treatment at point-of-care (POC) settings. Effective implementation of such interventions necessitates comprehensive stakeholder engagements. This study presents the outcomes of a workshop conducted with key stakeholders, aiming to discern barriers and enablers in implementing digital-connected POC diagnostic models in South Africa. The workshop, a component of the 2022 REASSURED Diagnostics symposium, employed the nominal group technique (NGT) and comprised two phases: Phase 1 focused on identifying barriers, while Phase 2 centered on enablers for the implementation of digital-linked POC diagnostic models. Stakeholders identified limited connectivity, restricted offline functionality, and challenges related to load shedding or rolling electricity blackouts as primary barriers. Conversely, ease of use, subsidies provided by the National Health Insurance, and 24-h assistance emerged as crucial enablers for the implementation of digital-linked POC diagnostic models. The NGT workshop proved to be an effective platform for elucidating key barriers and enablers in implementing digital-linked POC diagnostic models. Subsequent research endeavors should concentrate on identifying optimal strategies for implementing these advanced diagnostic models in underserved populations.The workshop in which the study was conducted was part of the 1st REASSURED Diagnostics Symposium which was funded by the US Embassy’s US Partnership initiative.https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.comhj2024Nuclear MedicineRadiologySchool of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH)Non