Abstract
IntroductionRadiographers are at times required to provide preliminary information on plain radiography when significant findings are identified. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two short training modules to improve the accuracy of image interpretation of the appendicular skeleton amongst a group of radiographers.MethodsEight radiographers volunteered to participate in the study. All undertook a pre‐test and, following delivery of course materials, an immediate post‐test for two consecutive modules. A retention test was undertaken 6 months later. Sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp) and accuracy (Acc) scores were evaluated against the “Gold Standard” radiologists’ reports. Paired‐samples t‐tests were carried out to compare image interpretation scores between the start of module one to the end of module two, and between the end of module 2 and 6 months later. Summary receiver operating characteristics (SROC) scores on each of the participants’ module two post‐test study results were undertaken.ResultsSignificant improvements in scores were achieved between the mean (SD) scores of module 1 pre‐test (77.5 (±3.9)) and the module 2 post‐test (83.6 (±3.2) (P =0.022)). Sn, Sp and Acc scores increased from the start of module 1 pre‐test to the end of module 2 post‐test (Sn: 82.28–86.25%; Sp: 75.29–84.66%; Acc: 81.68–85.97%). The retention test revealed a non‐significant reduction in mean scores (80.0 (±5.1)) when compared to post‐test module 2 (83.6 (±3.2) (P =0.184)). SROC revealed an area under the curve of 0.90.ConclusionParticipants achieved significant improvements in commenting accuracy on plain radiography of the appendicular skeleton after completion of the two modules. However, continuous application and ongoing professional development is essential in order to maintain and develop the skills acquired.
Highlights
Radiographers are at times required to provide preliminary information on plain radiography when significant findings are identified
This may appear to be a disappointing result as the expectation would be that radiographers following training in image interpretation would improve on their commenting accuracy with further experience
A recent study found that radiographer abnormality detection systems (RADS) are not extensively used in Queensland public hospitals with only 16% (n =4/25) of medical imaging directors reporting that RADS was in operation.[21]
Summary
Radiographers are at times required to provide preliminary information on plain radiography when significant findings are identified. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two short training modules to improve the accuracy of image interpretation of the appendicular skeleton amongst a group of radiographers. The retention test revealed a non-significant reduction in mean scores (80.0 (Æ5.1)) when compared to post-test module 2 (83.6 (Æ3.2) (P =0.184)). Conclusion: Participants achieved significant improvements in commenting accuracy on plain radiography of the appendicular skeleton after completion of the two modules. The short course aimed to extend the knowledge of participants in the field of emergency image interpretation, focusing on plain radiography representation of traumatic and common pathologies affecting the appendicular skeleton
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