Medical Radiation Science Research Articles

Insights into an innovative point of care ultrasound curriculum for Ontario primary maternity care providers

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has increasingly been used by midwives worldwide. In 2018, the scope of midwifery care in Ontario was expanded to include POCUS to allow practitioners to provide more comprehensive care. In response to the scope expansion, a new continuing POCUS education course was created in collaboration with faculty and clinicians from obstetrics, midwifery, and medical radiation sciences. The continuing education sonography course focused on fostering the knowledge, skills and judgment Ontario midwives required to safely perform these new POCUS skills. The course included online modules, a two-day hands-on bootcamp workshop, and a clinical practicum under the supervision of a sonographer to confirm competency across the three trimesters of pregnancy. The first cohort of 17 learners completed the course in Fall 2019, the new curriculum was well received by learners for its many benefits into learning and applying bedside sonography to clinical care. This paper outlines our process for POCUS curriculum development and implementation in pregnancy care. This POCUS continuing education course should continue to be offered in the future to give more practitioners the ability to perform point of care pregnancy scans.

Becoming a team player: Evaluating a simulation interprofessional activity between third year nursing students and second year medical radiation science students - A feasibility study

BackgroundSimulation activities allow students to engage in interprofessional learning in safe, low-risk environments conducive to learning. This enables students to make connections between different health professionals outside of the clinical setting to help improve their practical patient centered care. SampleThird year nursing and second year medical radiation sciences students. MethodParticipants were invited to take part in an interprofessional simulation activity. Participants could then choose to complete an online survey after the practical simulation activity. ResultsSurvey results showed that most participants found the simulation IPL activity to be useful. ConclusionSimulation education can be implemented to raise awareness of the roles of nursing and medical radiation science student practitioners by other student practitioners. There is scope to incorporate interprofessional simulation activities in future curriculum educational design to aid student interprofessional awareness, communication and collaboration.

Introducing article numbering to Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

Introducing article numbering to Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

Towards a home-grown rural health workforce: Evidence from Tasmania, Australia.

To examine the association between place of origin and principal place of practice (PPP) of domestic Tasmanian health graduates who received end-to-end training with the University of Tasmania (UTAS). The 2022 PPP for all UTAS domestic Tasmanian graduates from medicine, nursing, pharmacy, psychology, medical radiation science and paramedicine between 2011 and 2020 was identified using the online Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) registration database. The graduate's place of origin (home address at the time of course application), together with their 2022 PPP, was described using the Modified Monash Model (MM) classification system of remoteness. Data were analysed using STATA. Over the 10-year period, 4079 domestic Tasmanians graduated from health courses at UTAS, of which 3850 (94.4%) were matched to an Australian PPP. In all, 78.3% of graduates were working in Tasmania, while the remainder (21.7%) were employed interstate. Of those with a Tasmanian PPP, 81.4% were working in a regional setting (MM2), while 77.6% of interstate employed graduates recorded a metropolitan (MM1) PPP. Rural place of origin (MM3-7) was associated with rural employment (MM3-7) in both Tasmania (OR, 37.08; 95% CI 29.01-47.39, p < 0.001), and on the Australian mainland (OR, 21.4; 95% CI 17.4-26.3, p < 0.001). Most domestic Tasmanian origin UTAS health graduates contribute to the state's health workforce after qualifying. Further research is needed to explore PPP over time and to understand why some graduates are motivated to seek employment on the Australian mainland and in particular, metropolitan cities.

Improving radiology information systems for inclusivity of transgender and gender-diverse patients: what are the problems and what are the solutions? A systematic review.

In medical radiation science (MRS), radiology information systems (RISs) record patient information such as name, gender and birthdate. The purpose of RISs is to ensure the safety and well-being of patients by recording patient data accurately. However, not all RISs appropriately capture gender, sex or other related information of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) patients, resulting in non-inclusive and discriminatory care. This review synthesises the research surrounding the limitations of RISs preventing inclusivity and the features required to support inclusivity and improve health outcomes. Studies were retrieved from three electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed and Embase). A quality assessment was performed using the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Research and Non-Research Evidence Appraisal Tools. A thematic analysis approach was used to synthesise the included articles. Eighteen articles were included based on the predetermined eligibility criteria. The pool of studies included in this review comprised primarily of non-research evidence and reflected the infancy of this research field and the need for further empirical evidence. The key findings of this review emphasise how current systems do not record the patient's name and pronouns appropriately, conflate sex and gender and treat sex and gender as a binary concept. For current systems to facilitate inclusivity, they must implement more comprehensive information and data models incorporating sex and gender and be more flexible to accommodate the transient and fluid nature of gender. However, implementation of these recommendations is not without challenges. Additionally, further research focused on RISs is required to address the unique challenges MRS settings present to TGD patients.

Gender Disparities in Publication Productivity in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

Gender Disparities in Publication Productivity in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

Lived experiences of healthcare. Putting the person in person centred care in the medical radiation sciences

IntroductionContemporary healthcare models recognise person-centred care (PCC) as a fundamental principle of quality, safe care. While substantial literature exists on PCC in healthcare generally, there is less evidence on how this relates to medical imaging and radiation therapy.Embedding patient-lived experiences of healthcare into healthcare education has promise in enhancing students’ confidence in delivering PCC. Digital storytelling (DST) of patient-lived experiences can help improve reflection, understanding, critical thinking and empathy. MethodsAuthentic patient-lived experiences were extracted from students’ clinical workbooks, transformed into first person vignettes and integrated into the curriculum. Students were invited to attend focus groups to explore the impact the activity had on the student. ResultsThematic analysis identified three themes. (1) Enhancing PCC; (2) Mode of Delivery (Scaffolded Learning); and (3) Collaborative Learning. PCC was the strongest theme with students stating this is the first time they engaged in an activity focused on the psychosocial aspect of patient care. The majority of students indicated the mode of delivery was engaging and unique, whereby the vignettes were presented incrementally. Collaborative learning was identified by over half of the students where learning took place in a safe and supportive environment. ConclusionThis project explored students’ perspectives of integrating patient-lived experiences into the curriculum via DST. Students who engaged with the activities felt better prepared to deliver quality safe PCC. Implications for practiceProviding healthcare students with opportunities to develop skills to deliver PCC before they enter the workforce can enhance their confidence in delivering effective PCC.

Radiography managers' perceptions on skills required in public health institutes in Gauteng.

Management of radiography departments requires skilled and competent managers. This task becomes complex if there is no management development and collaborative performance monitoring. The study aimed to explore and describe the radiography managers' perceptions regarding management training and skills required. The research was conducted in public health institutions of Gauteng, South Africa. Qualitative, exploratory and descriptive approach was adopted, and a purposive sampling method was used to select twenty-three (23) managers from the radiography departments; however, data saturation guided the sample size. Data were collected through online focus group discussions (FGDs). Ethical approval was obtained through Departmental Research Committee (DRC) of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (MIRS) department, Higher Degrees Committee (HDC), Research Ethics Committee and Gauteng Department of Health Research Committees. Data trustworthiness was obtained through member checking, data verification and an independent coder to verify the accuracy of the data. Thematic data analysis method was used to analyse the data. Five themes emerged from the thematic analysis and centred on: difficulties in transitioning into management, lack of management support, the need for postgraduate management qualification, coaching and mentoring and required skills for radiography managers. Public health institutions continuously face transitions in service delivery frameworks. This requires competent and skilled radiography managers to survive in this environment. The study revealed that new managers experience difficulties and require management support to succeed in their roles. Awareness of managers developmental needs relative to the real-life dynamics of radiography management in Gauteng public health environment.

Acknowledging the peer reviewers of Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, October 2022 - September 2023.

Acknowledging the peer reviewers of Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, October 2022 - September 2023.

Preparing undergraduate health students to navigate interprofessional education: The role of a workshop on psychological safety

PurposeThe current paper outlines the development and delivery of an invitational workshop on psychological safety. The workshop was developed to better prepare undergraduate health education students for interprofessional collaboration. MethodsThe invitational workshop was designed and delivered to a class of 94 undergraduate students in their second year of a Medical Radiation Sciences program. The workshop consisted of an icebreaker activity, a theory section, a second activity to reinforce learning, and a final debrief. Pre, post, and follow-up questionnaires with 5-point Likert scale items were integrated into the course to assess changes in students’ understanding of psychological safety and their perspectives on the workshop. ResultsNinety-one students completed the post-workshop questionnaire for a response rate of 96.8%, while 81 students (86.2%) completed the pre-workshop questionnaire, and 74 students (78.7%) completed the follow-up questionnaire. Generally, students had a much stronger understanding of psychological safety (40.2% vs. 95.6%; p<0.0001) and the value that it holds in team functioning (78.0% vs. 98.9%; p<0.0003) after they had been formally introduced to the topic, were more aware of strategies to establish inclusion and trust among members of a team (43.7% vs. 88.2%; p<0.0001), and felt more comfortable sharing or voicing their opinions in group settings thereafter (28.0% vs. 41.3%; p<0.0003). ConclusionsOutcomes from the workshop suggest that integrated education on psychological safety allows for long standing retention of knowledge and benefits students by enabling them to communicate more effectively within interprofessional teams using the knowledge, strategies, and comfort gained.

'Growing your own' a case study of a collaborative training program in medical radiation science.

Two universities run a collaborative Medical Radiation Science program where students undertake study in Tasmania before transferring to a partner university in another state to complete their program. This study assessed rates and predictors of graduate radiographers, radiation therapists and nuclear medicine technologists (collectively classified as medical radiation practitioners according to AHPRA [https://www.medicalradiationpracticeboard.gov.au/About.aspx; ahpra.gov.au/registration/registers] contemporary classification) returning to Tasmania and rural locations to practice. A cross-sectional 22-item online survey including open-ended questions was administered via Facebook. Rates of graduates working in Tasmania and rural locations, work satisfaction, and program efficacy were assessed. Logistic regression was used to assess predictors of working in Tasmania and rural locations. 58 Facebook members from a total of 87 program graduates were invited to participate. Of these, 21 responded. Thirteen (62.0%) were currently working in Tasmania, of which the majority practised in regional (MMM2) areas. Most (90.5%) reported that they were happy at work, with all participants reporting the course prepared them well or very well for their first professional jobs. 71.4% stated that the provision of the first 2 years of the course in their home state influenced their decision to study medical radiation science. Being born in a rural region (MMM > 2) was a predictor for working in Tasmania (OR = 3.5) and rural locations (OR = 1.77). Males were twice as likely to work in Tasmania (OR = 2.3) and more rural locations (OR = 2.0). Collaboration is beneficial in producing professionals in regions with smaller enrolments limit the ability to grow their own graduates independently. Interuniversity collaborative models are recommended for other rural regions to meet local health workforce needs.

Does cost minimization of hypofractionated radiation therapy content all health stakeholders?

Does cost minimization of hypofractionated radiation therapy content all health stakeholders?

ChatGPT in medical imaging higher education

IntroductionAcademic integrity among radiographers and nuclear medicine technologists/scientists in both higher education and scientific writing has been challenged by advances in artificial intelligence (AI). The recent release of ChatGPT, a chatbot powered by GPT-3.5 capable of producing accurate and human-like responses to questions in real-time, has redefined the boundaries of academic and scientific writing. These boundaries require objective evaluation. MethodChatGPT was tested against six subjects across the first three years of the medical radiation science undergraduate course for both exams (n = 6) and written assignment tasks (n = 3). ChatGPT submissions were marked against standardised rubrics and results compared to student cohorts. Submissions were also evaluated by Turnitin for similarity and AI scores. ResultsChatGPT powered by GPT-3.5 performed below the average student performance in all written tasks with an increasing disparity as subjects advanced. ChatGPT performed better than the average student in foundation or general subject examinations where shallow responses meet learning outcomes. For discipline specific subjects, ChatGPT lacked the depth, breadth, and currency of insight to provide pass level answers. ConclusionChatGPT simultaneously poses a risk to academic integrity in writing and assessment while affording a tool for enhanced learning environments. These risks and benefits are likely to be restricted to learning outcomes of lower taxonomies. Both risks and benefits are likely to be constrained by higher order taxonomies. Implications for practiceChatGPT powered by GPT3.5 has limited capacity to support student cheating, introduces errors and fabricated information, and is readily identified by software as AI generated. Lack of depth of insight and appropriateness for professional communication also limits capacity as a learning enhancement tool.

Post COVID-19 trends in simulation use within diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy education

PurposeSimulation is used within medical radiation science training. Recent global events and simulation resource uptake has led to significant changes. The aim of this study was to capture post COVID-19 trends and activity of simulation-based education (SBE) in diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy. MethodsAn online survey was designed to investigate the role of simulation within diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy education. Survey design was based on literature and experience within the research team. Questions were based around access and use of simulation, future trends and the effects of COVID-19. Participants were diagnostic radiography and/or radiation therapy educators. Data captured in this study was undertaken in March 2022 and compared with previous data from Bridge and colleagues (2021). ResultsSixty-seven responses were received across five continents (two from North/South America), Europe was the most widely represented (n = 58, 87%). Fifty-three (79%) of participants reported that they use simulation as part of their teaching and learning. Twenty-seven (51%) respondents reported that they had increased their use of simulation because of COVID-19. Sixteen (30%) respondents stated that they were now able to enrol more students because of the pandemic. Fixed models and immersive environments were the two most common simulation activities. Participants reported, to different degrees, that simulation was used across all parts of the curriculum. ConclusionsSimulation is deeply embedded into diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy education. Evidence suggests that the growth of simulation may be slowing. Opportunities exist for the development of guidance, training and best practice resources around simulation. Implications for practiceSimulation is a key pedagogical approach for diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy education. Key stakeholders now need to work collaboratively to define standards and best practices.

Driving professional development and growth through research: a commentary.

Research remains one of the essential elements that drive the growth of a profession since it contributes to the development of knowledge. Research also creates value for public service and leads to better health outcomes. Research output from the Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (MIRS) profession is currently lacking in New Zealand while the output from Australia can also be improved. For research to be improved, there needs to be intentionality. This commentary presents proposed considerations that could contribute toward increasing research impact and research output in the MIRS profession in Australia and New Zealand.

‘Scanxiety’: Content analysis of pre-MRI patient experience on Instagram

IntroductionDistress and anxiety are commonly reported during the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) experience with prior studies suggesting the pre-MRI period is a time of heightened distress. There is a paucity of literature exploring preprocedural distress and anxiety, in particular qualitative research analysing patient experience. Instagram is rapidly becoming an important social media platform though which to conduct health research. A gradually increasing number of studies have examined social media to gain insight into patient experience within medical radiation science (MRS). This study is considered as the first to explore patient experience of MRI using Instagram as a data source. MethodsThis study investigated the patient experience during the pre-MRI period by performing a content analysis on open-source Instagram posts. Ethical approval for the study was sought and approved by the Charles Sturt University, Human Research Ethics Committee. ResultsSix themes emerged from the extracted data; Journey to the MRI, Waiting, Anticipating the MRI procedure, Preparing for the MRI procedure, Negative interaction, and Fear of the results. ConclusionThe findings of this study provide novel self-reported and unsolicited insight into the diverse, multifactorial, and often concomitant nature of preprocedural MRI anxiety and distress. Implications for practiceThis study adds to a growing body of literature advocating for a compassionate, holistic, and person-centered approach when caring for patients in MRI that also considers their emotional and psychological wellbeing.

Artificial intelligence education for radiographers, an evaluation of a UK postgraduate educational intervention using participatory action research: a pilot study

BackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI)-enabled applications are increasingly being used in providing healthcare services, such as medical imaging support. Sufficient and appropriate education for medical imaging professionals is required for successful AI adoption. Although, currently, there are AI training programmes for radiologists, formal AI education for radiographers is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and discuss a postgraduate-level module on AI developed in the UK for radiographers.MethodologyA participatory action research methodology was applied, with participants recruited from the first cohort of students enrolled in this module and faculty members. Data were collected using online, semi-structured, individual interviews and focus group discussions. Textual data were processed using data-driven thematic analysis.ResultsSeven students and six faculty members participated in this evaluation. Results can be summarised in the following four themes: a. participants’ professional and educational backgrounds influenced their experiences, b. participants found the learning experience meaningful concerning module design, organisation, and pedagogical approaches, c. some module design and delivery aspects were identified as barriers to learning, and d. participants suggested how the ideal AI course could look like based on their experiences.ConclusionsThe findings of our work show that an AI module can assist educators/academics in developing similar AI education provisions for radiographers and other medical imaging and radiation sciences professionals. A blended learning delivery format, combined with customisable and contextualised content, using an interprofessional faculty approach is recommended for future similar courses.

Current State of Gonadal Shielding in Medical Imaging: A Review

Introduction In recent times the benefits of using gonadal shielding have been brought into question. Several professional bodies have released positional statements in support of ceasing the use of gonadal shields. However, in Australia the regulatory authority for radiation has not commented to date. This literature review aims to explore the risks and benefits of using lead protection and to establish the current state of the use of gonadal shields in clinical practice. Methods A search of the literature was conducted using online databases under the subject “Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences”. Key terms and phrases included “lead protection”, “plain film imaging”, “lead shielding”, “gonadal shielding”, “X-ray”, “radiography”, “pelvic radiography”, “radiation protection”, “methods”, “education” and “gonadal shielding”. Articles pertaining to radiation therapy, literature reviews and those not in English were excluded. Results and Discussion Gonad shields are often poorly used despite agreement of what constitutes accurate and inaccurate shielding. Inaccurate shielding relates to both inappropriate size and inaccurate positioning of shields. Retrospective studies demonstrated a higher incidence of inaccurate gonadal shield placement in females compared to males. Inaccurate shielding had implications for patients such as obscuration of important anatomy and pathology and increased radiation dose if repeat X-rays were required to correct positioning errors. Shield design innovation was identified as a future area of research that could assist with overcoming these errors. Where gonad shielding was found to be of benefit in patients with conditions that require regular follow-up imaging. This is especially important in conditions affecting children and adolescents who have increased radiosensitivity and longer life expectancy. Conclusion Studies have demonstrated high incidence of inaccurately positioned gonad shields for female patients, which leads to repeated X-ray images and increased dose to patients. However, shielding has been shown to be beneficial for patients requiring frequent X-ray examinations to reduce cumulative radiation dose. Establishing a standardised protocol regarding the application of gonadal shields, supported by regulatory agencies, is imperative.

Radiation therapist perceptions on how artificial intelligence may affect their role and practice.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has increased in medical radiation science, with advanced computing and modelling. Considering radiation therapists (RTs) perceptions of how this may affect their role is imperative, as this will contribute to increasing the efficiency of implementation and improve service delivery. A peer-reviewed anonymous survey was developed and completed by 105 RTs between April and June 2021. The online survey was distributed via the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia and the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy newsletter as well as professional networks. The survey gained perceptions of the impact of AI on radiation therapy practice and RTs roles within Australia, and data were analysed using quantitative data analysis and thematic analysis. Automation is used throughout radiation therapy practice, with 68% of RTs being optimistic about this. The majority (63%) had little to no knowledge of working with AI and 96% would like to learn more including the underpinnings of AI and its safe and ethical use. Many (66%) perceived AI would affect their role, including increasing their skillset and reducing mundane tasks, whereas others (23%) perceived it would reduce job satisfaction by increasing repetition and limiting their problem-solving ability. AI was perceived to impact the patient positively (67%), increasing efficiency and accuracy of radiotherapy treatments; however, it could depersonalise patient care. RTs perceive embracing AI in radiotherapy has the potential to advance the profession and improve the service to patients. If AI is implemented with sufficient training for greater understanding, and management uses these benefits to improve patient care, rather than replace RTs roles, then overall any negatives will be outweighed by the benefits.

Immersive virtual reality to promote leadership among health professions students

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