Radiology Nurses Research Articles

Graphic Medicine and Radiology Nursing: Using Comics for Education and Stress Mitigation

This article argues that comics can help to educate radiology patients and provide a stress mitigation tool for both patients and radiology nurses. Graphic medicine, Ian Williams's term for “the intersection of the medium of comics with the discourse of healthcare,” includes graphic narratives of illness by patients, providers, family members, or caregivers; it also includes comics for educational purposes. In patient or family narratives, fears or anxieties about impending procedures may be visualized, allowing for reader identification and empathy. Informational comics have also been found to be effective in preparing pediatric and adult populations for procedures. Finally, making comics can provide stress relief for nurses, allowing them to tell their own stories and to reflect on their experiences.

Practical Preventive Strategies for Extravasation of Contrast Media During CT: What the Radiology Team Should Do

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of practical preventive strategies (i.e., venous vulnerability assessment and prevention scan protocol rules) taken by our radiology team (radiology nurses, radiology technicians, radiologists) on reducing extravasation of contrast media (ECM) during CT. A total of 73,931 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CT scans between January 2013 and December 2019 were retrospectively included. Venous vulnerability assessment by the radiology team began in 2015, and prevention scan protocol rules for the prevention of ECM were added in 2017. We defined each period as follows: 2013-2014, no prevention (Period A); 2015-2016, early prevention (Period B, venous vulnerability assessment only); and 2017-2019: late prevention (Period C, venous vulnerability assessment with prevention scan protocol rules). The incident reports, radiology reports, and medical records of patients in whom ECM occurred were reviewed. We compared the frequency of ECM during each period. ECM occurred in 0.39% (292/73,931) of the patients. The frequencies of ECM for Periods A, B, and C were 0.62% (121/19,505), 0.43% (89/20,847), and 0.24% (82/33,579), respectively. There were significant differences in the frequencies of ECM among the three periods (Chi-squared test, p < 0.01). Implementation of venous vulnerability assessment and prevention scan protocol rules by a radiology team can be a practical and simple solution to reduce the risk of ECM during CT.

The Incidental Findings Coordinator: How a Radiology Nurse can Add Value and Promote Patient Safety

A radiology incidental finding or “incidentaloma” is an important, unexpected finding on imaging that requires clinical or imaging follow-up. Although recommendations for the follow up of incidentalomas are common, actual follow-through is often suboptimal. This gap may lead to patient harm and expose hospitals to malpractice lawsuits. Nevertheless, there is no universal consensus on how to ensure proper follow up. Coordination of incidentaloma follow-up is a unique role through which a radiology nurse can strengthen interdepartmental communication and improve patient outcomes. Our institution employs a hybrid system that uses software to track follow-up recommendations and a radiology nurse to communicate with the relevant parties. The broad skill set of radiology nurses makes them particularly well-suited for this role.

Coffee, Chaos, and Competence: A Day in the Life of a Radiology Nurse

The role of a radiology nurse is not clearly understood by patients or nursing colleagues. Following a radiology float nurse through a day in a complex radiology practice in a Magnet-designated facility illustrates how a radiology nurse must incorporate specialty education and training, clinical competence, and a professional nursing practice model to provide quality patient care.

The Surge: COVID-19’s Impact on a New Radiology Nurse

This short communication show how the Covid- 19 pandemic affected the everyday life of a radiology nurse through the eyes of a new radiology nurse.

What is the Role of the Quality Improvement Radiology Nurse?

This article aims to report the role of the quality improvement radiology nurse. The quality improvement nurse must possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to deliver safe and quality care. There is a lack of guidance that describes the role of the quality improvement radiology nurse. The Quality Education for Nurses Framework and Kotter's model both provide a foundation for describing the role of the quality improvement radiology nurse. More research is needed to analyze the role of the quality improvement radiology nurse. Implications to nursing practice, education, and research are discussed.

A New Horizon: Training the Radiology Nurse of the Future

The literature is clear regarding the gap between retiring baby boomer nurses and new nurses entering the profession. Fewer nurses, together with the growing number of minimally invasive image-guided procedures, are major challenges for meeting the future demands of radiology nursing. How do we engage students, introduce the field of radiology to students, and begin to prepare the next generation of radiology nurses? This article discusses the planning phase of a creatively designed radiology immersion experience (RIE) for undergraduate nursing students, which includes both didactic course work and phased-in clinical experiences. Developed by faculty from an undergraduate baccalaureate nursing program and administrators from a large metropolitan teaching hospital in the Midwest, RIE is aimed at providing an innovative approach to learning and generating interest in radiology nursing as a future career path.

Culturally Congruent Care in Radiology Nursing

The United States' diversity is growing, making it difficult for nurses to meet the needs of patients from a wide range of cultures, belief systems, and groups. Nursing is not new to providing culturally competent care; however, the profession's demographic shift has made it a priority. Improving nurses' cultural competency can lead to increased access to health care and, as a result, better health outcomes. Nurses in all specialties work with people from all walks of life, which necessitates that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to care in a culturally appropriate manner. Radiology nurses, in particular, influence care in a variety of settings and provide care to people of all ages and acuities, making the commitment to fostering culturally congruent practice even more critical. Nurses can begin this process by critically reflecting on their own biases as well as the concepts of cultural humility, competence, and competemility.

Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of radiology healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background:Medical imaging is vital in the diagnostic workup and evaluation of patients suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19; hence, radiology healthcare workers (HCWs) were an essential part of the early containment response to the pandemic. Radiology services are facing rising demands to introduce stricter infection control measures, and staff are expected to adhere to the new protocols while coping with a surge in patients.Objectives:This study aims to identify the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (KAPs) of radiology HCWs at a single site with regard to workplace preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:A 26-item questionnaire was conducted with radiographers, radiology nurses, and support staff who had direct patient contact. Questions were concerned with involvement in managing suspected or positive COVID-19 patients, knowledge of infection control measures, and attitudes and perceptions in relation to working during the pandemic. Results were analysed using t-tests, chi-square tests, and Spearman’s rank-order correlation, with statistical difference set at p&lt;0.05.Results:Radiology HCWs self-reported significantly better knowledge of infection control measures and positive work attitudes. Those who had received the flu vaccine had significantly better perceptions of working during the pandemic. Suggested improvements included better organisational structure and more resources, better staff compliance and vigilance, better education, and a clearer focus on staff wellbeing.Conclusion:The findings indicate favourable KAPs among radiology HCWs in Singapore with regard to workplace preparedness during the pandemic, but efforts towards sustainability must be considered. Formulating policies to nurture motivated and resilient HCWs during a pandemic is advocated to foster a resilient workforce that is prepared for the next pandemic.

Images From the Past

Nursing in interventional radiology is diverse and multifaceted. This area of specialty nursing has not yet been acknowledged as such or embraced in Canada. Professional development for interventional radiology nurses is lacking with even fewer educational opportunities for non-radiology nurses who care for interventional radiology patients throughout the hospital to develop needed interventional radiology knowledge and related skills. This qualitative descriptive study explored the experiences non-radiology nurses have caring for interventional radiology patients. Interviews with ten non-radiology nurses in a Canadian hospital provided rich data for analysis. Thematic analysis revealed that these nurses did not receive formal IR education in their nursing curriculum, acquired their knowledge through self-teaching, lacked knowledge about imaging modalities and IR procedures, were impeded to build trusting nurse-patient relationships, and felt ineffective communication disrupted the continuity of care they provided. Addressing professional development needs related to creating interventional radiology education, increasing awareness of the specialty of interventional radiology nursing, and enhancing clinical collaboration is a key recommendation.

Road2IR: Supporting the Global Development of Interventional Radiology Nursing

This article discusses the global health-care initiative Road2IR to improve health care throughout the world starting with Tanzania. Although Road2IR is a multidisciplinary program, this article will focus on nursing development. We discuss the global importance of education and the advancement of interventional radiology nursing. The goal is to improve patient safety and well-being.

Professional Development Needs of Non-Radiology Nurses: An Exploration of Nurses’ Experiences Caring for Interventional Radiology Patients

Nursing in interventional radiology is diverse and multifaceted. This area of specialty nursing has not yet been acknowledged as such or embraced in Canada. Professional development for interventional radiology nurses is lacking with even fewer educational opportunities for non-radiology nurses who care for interventional radiology patients throughout the hospital to develop needed interventional radiology knowledge and related skills. This qualitative descriptive study explored the experiences non-radiology nurses have caring for interventional radiology patients. Interviews with ten non-radiology nurses in a Canadian hospital provided rich data for analysis. Thematic analysis revealed that these nurses did not receive formal IR education in their nursing curriculum, acquired their knowledge through self-teaching, lacked knowledge about imaging modalities and IR procedures, were impeded to build trusting nurse-patient relationships, and felt ineffective communication disrupted the continuity of care they provided. Addressing professional development needs related to creating interventional radiology education, increasing awareness of the specialty of interventional radiology nursing, and enhancing clinical collaboration is a key recommendation.

Discharge Planning in the Era of Climate Change

We are living in an era of climate change, which has a tremendous impact on the health of our patients. Therefore, radiological nurses should be aware of and address climate change–related problems that impact patient health, such as heat, air quality, drought, wildfires, increased precipitation, and extreme weather. This article highlights the concerns and consequences of climate change on patients discharged from interventional radiological and other outpatient settings. Recommendations for discharge planning are provided to support, protect, and promote the health of patients in radiological services.

Can You PACE Yourself? Using PACE in the Clinical Setting, at End of Life and in Grief Work

In response to coronavirus disease 2019 patient care requirements and clinical staff shortages, radiology nurses are being reassigned to directly or indirectly support hospital patient care in medical/surgical, critical care, and emergency room settings. Through this reassignment, radiology nurses have become witnesses to and/or caregivers for dying patients. Being with and caring for the dying is a unique and profoundly spiritual experience, which may result in the radiology nurses unexpectedly experiencing grief and loss. Using relationship-based care theory, the author proposes PACE as a person-centric, relational mindset, and communication model, explores the significance of providing end-of-life spiritual care, and highlights the profound implications of grief and loss for the radiology nurse.

Moderate Sedation Education for Nurses in Interventional Radiology to Promote Patient Safety: Results of a National Survey

Moderate sedation in interventional radiology (IR) relies on registered nurses (RNs) with specific education to ensure the best patient outcomes. Research conducted during the previous decades has improved the understanding of nursing labor quality and the relationship to outcomes; yet, there is limited description related to specialty practice areas. Defining parameters for IR nursing allows the study of nurse-driven outcomes for patients receiving sedation. A 26-question survey was sent to a national sample of radiologic administrators (n=510). Statistics included frequency distributions, means, standard deviations, medians, interquartile ranges, chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests; statistical significance p<.05. The response rate was 16% (n = 82). Annual moderate sedation training for RNs was required at most institutions (94.9% 75 of 79) with variation in methods of delivery. Basic life saving (100%, 77 of 77) and advanced cardiac life saving (97.4%, 75 of 77) were primarily required; less than a fifth (17.9%, 10 of 56) noted critical care nursing, or certified radiology nurse certification (7.4%, 4 of 54). A BSN was the most commonly reported degree (median 60% of RNs, IQR = 45.8, 86.1). There is variation in how moderate sedation training is accomplished, its complexity, and the required degree attainment of nurses who participate in the administration of moderate sedation. These findings reflect the limited consensus statements available regarding competencies for moderate sedation nursing practice. Continued studies of moderate sedation and the workforce in IR is essential to understand the RN role in achieving high-quality, safe patient care.

The role of radiology nurses in modern health care

Radiology nurses play a fundamental role in modern healthcare, managing patients during a variety of imaging and interventional procedures. These tests are typically performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. As a result, the number of patients and healthcare providers using radiology services is increasing. As the field expands in interventional techniques and types and technological advances continue, a distinct role for the radiology nurse is being shaped and perceptions are changing. Different nursing disciplines are gaining attention for the unique set of skills, knowledge, and education required to be competent in caring for patients in these settings. There is a need to reflect on practice and describe the responsibilities, patient interactions, risks, challenges, knowledge, skills, qualifications, education, and training as this is still an emerging role and advocates for this nursing specialty. Radiology nurses perform a variety of responsibilities in both single- and multimodal diagnostic imaging departments as well as in interventional radiology departments. Although our field has a wide presence in modern healthcare, there are no consistent guidelines for educating, training, and qualifying radiology nurses.

The Effect of Brachytherapy Safety Education on Knowledge, Performance, and Attitude of Radiology Nurses

Context: Brachytherapy is one of the cancer treatment modalities. Like any treatment, it can produce acute and delayed side effects. Unfortunately, patients getting brachytherapy experience many side effects that may affect their all quality of life aspect. So, nurses working in radiotherapy settings must be confident about their knowledge, competence, and technical skills. Therefore, holding continuing education programs for nurses is necessary. &#x0D; Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of brachytherapy safety education on radiology nurses' knowledge, attitude, and performance.&#x0D; Methods: Quasi-experimental one group pre-posttest design was utilized to achieve the aim of this study on nurses working on Ayadi El Mostakabal Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt. Four tools were used to collect the necessary data. The self-administered questionnaire was designed to collect the necessary data about the nurses. Radiology Nurses’ Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire to assess nurses' knowledge regarding nursing interventions for patients getting brachytherapy. Nurses’ Performance Observational Checklist to assess the actual nurses’ performance provided to patients getting brachytherapy. Radiology Nurses' Attitude Assessment Scale (RNAAS) measures nurses' professional attitude and the influence of safety training programs on nurses' attitudes.&#x0D; Results: There was a statistically significant difference between nurses' knowledge, performance, and attitude between the initial assessment, immediate, two weeks later, and three months of educational program implementation at p=0.001. Regarding the relationship between studied nurse's knowledge and their characteristics, there was a relationship found between nurses’ knowledge in the initial assessment and their age, marital status, and nurses’ years of experience at p=0.001, 0.002, and 0.0, respectively. While in the post-program implementation, the only relation was found between the nurses’ knowledge score and years of experience p=0.007, 0.053, and0.011 in immediate, two weeks later, and after three months of program implementation, respectively. There was no relation found between nurses' performance and their characteristics throughout program implementation phases.&#x0D; Conclusion: The current study findings concluded that radiation safety education for nurses regarding brachytherapy resulted in a statistically significant improvement in nurses' knowledge, performance, and attitude. Periodic and consistent update in-services training of nurses to improve their knowledge and practice enforces nurses to follow the approved guideline. Future studies are recommended to investigate nurses' knowledge and performance of radiation protection in the general ward or specialized departments.

Radiology Nursing: A Little-Known Speciality in Zambia

Radiology Nursing: A Little-Known Speciality in Zambia

Adapting Lessons From SARS for the COVID-19 Pandemic—Perspectives From Radiology Nursing in Singapore

When severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) hit Singapore in 2003, we began to formulate rigorous protocols and reconfigure our facilities to prevent in-hospital transmission. This became the foundation of our practices in COVID-19. However, some adaptations were made to suit the current needs of the department, and technology has been used for communication. This article describes the preparation and response of nursing in the radiology department in Singapore in SARS and coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Protocols and measures taken during SARS and COVID-19 outbreak are described. Stringent infection control and prevention measures, detailed standard operating protocols for handling SARS and COVID-19 patients coming for radiological examinations and interventions, team segregation, safe distancing, efficient communication, and rigorous staff surveillance are paramount to ensure patient and staff safety. Our SARS experience has shaped our preparations and response toward the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, there have been zero health care worker transmissions in the department. The crisis has also enhanced the cohesiveness among staff because of the camaraderie and shared experience. The response and measures taken by the radiology department in a large acute care teaching hospital could be practiced in other similar health care settings.

Attitudes of Preprocedural Patient Anxiety: A 2019 Cross-Sectional Study of Radiology Nurses

The optimal method of assessing and reducing preprocedural patient anxiety remains uncertain in radiologic procedures. Previous research suggests that the role of radiology nurses is critical to optimally address preprocedural anxiety, but the preferences of radiology nurses remain understudied. A questionnaire was adapted from a previous cross-sectional study of interventional radiology to determine the views of current preferences of nurses with regards to addressing preprocedural anxiety. The questionnaire was disseminated to an e-mail list maintained by the Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing (ARIN) from July to September 2019. The survey included questions about the assessment, importance, and reduction of preprocedural patient anxiety. A post hoc scale was used to quantify degree of responsibility allocated to radiology nurses, radiologists, patients, family members, and other health care providers. A total of 370 responses were obtained (18.1% response rate). Most respondents found preprocedural anxiety to be very important in practice (n = 237, 4.4%) and to patients (n = 300, 81.7%). Nurses indicated that anxiety interfered with delivery of care (n = 220, 60.3%) and most respondents formally assessed it in their patients (n = 227, 61.7%). A variety of methods to reduce preprocedural patient were endorsed: patient education (n = 341, 94.2%); empathetic communication (n = 333, 92.0%); anxiety medication (n = 239, 66.0%); permitting family presence (n = 228, 63.0%); familiarization with the facility (n = 97, 26.8%); traditional, complementary, and alternative medication (n = 69, 19.1%). Nurses held themselves most responsible to manage patient anxiety followed by radiologists, patients, family members, primary care providers, and mental health care providers. This study suggests that radiology nurses acknowledge the importance of assessing and reducing preprocedural patient anxiety. Furthermore, radiology nurses use a variety of methods to manage patient anxiety and hold themselves most responsible to reduce anxiety but also allocate responsibility to others such as radiologists and patients.