创伤性膈疝的诊断与治疗

目的 总结创伤性膈疝的诊断和治疗经验。方法 分析27例创伤性膈疝患者受伤的原因，入院时的主要症状，体征，合并伤，信要检查资料及手术时机，死亡原因，钝性伤13例。锐器穿透伤14例；左膈疝25例，右膈疝2例；经腹手术14例，经腹手术13例。结果 22例（81.5%)术后痊愈，5例死亡。死亡率18.5%。结论 胸腹部创伤患者应警惕膈肌的损伤，创伤性膈疝的表现常被合并伤的表现所掩盖，要注意受伤的原因，体位及外力作用的方向。认真的胸部X线电视透视是最可靠的检查方法。创伤性膈疝一经发现，应尽快给予手术治疗。     

足菌肿的临床X线表现(附18例报告)

目的：探讨足菌肿的临床X线表现特点，以提高对本病的认识，方法：回顾性分析18例足菌肿的临床X线表现，并结合文献进行讨论。结果：18例67块骨受累，其中跖骨30块，楔状骨20块，骰骨7块，趾骨5块，胫骨3块，跟骨2块。骨质呈侵蚀性破坏8例，溶骨样破坏3例，囊状破坏3例，侵蚀性破坏伴增生硬化2例，增生硬化改变2例。骨皮质呈不规则增厚9例，骨皮质残缺不齐7例，呈层状及花边状骨膜反应12例，有长短不一的骨嵴3例，邻近骨质疏松13例，关节面模糊11例，关节间隙狭窄8例，软组织内有斑点状钙化2例，有2－3cm长的死骨片2例；分叶而界限不清的软组织团块影2例。18例在颗粒中均发现菌丝，颗粒颜色呈褐色或黑色。结论：足菌肿病变范围广，易累及多骨，骨质以侵蚀性及溶骨性破坏为主要X线征象。     

Career intentions,their influences and motivational factors in diagnostic radiography: A survey of undergraduate students

IntroductionThe choice of career and speciality can be a complex process. It is unclear what influences career decisions within undergraduate radiographers and whether the curriculum provides sufficient support.MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey was undertaken. All undergraduate diagnostic radiography students within one UK higher education institution were invited to participate. Questions were related to anticipated career choice, motivational factors and influences.ResultsThe response rate was 67.6% (90/133). The most popular specialist area for career preference was general radiography. The top three motivational factors were work life balance, career development and job satisfaction. The most influential factors on career choice were clinical placements, radiographers on placements and formal teaching. Career guidance was predominantly sourced from the personal academic tutor and was informed by role models.ConclusionRadiography academic teams and clinical placement providers must work together to ensure that students have access to high quality placements across specialities. The experiences received during undergraduate training are important in specialty choice.Implications for practiceCareer guidance is essential and should begin as early as possible. Clinical and academic radiographers need to appreciate the influence they have on students future career plans.     

Experiences of diagnostic radiographers through the Covid-19 pandemic

IntroductionDiagnostic Radiography plays a major role in the diagnosis and management of patients with Covid-19. This has seen an increase in the demand for imaging services, putting pressure on the workforce. Diagnostic radiographers, as with many other healthcare professions, have been on the frontline, dealing with an unprecedented situation. This research aimed to explore the experience of diagnostic radiographers working clinically during the Covid-19 pandemic.MethodsInfluenced by interpretative phenomenology, this study explored the experiences of diagnostic radiographers using virtual focus group interviews as a method of data collection.ResultsData were analysed independently by four researchers and five themes emerged from the data. Adapting to new ways of working, feelings and emotions, support mechanisms, self-protection and resilience, and professional recognition.ConclusionThe adaptability of radiographers came across strongly in this study. Anxieties attributed to the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), fear of contracting the virus and spreading it to family members were evident. The resilience of radiographers working throughout this pandemic came across strongly throughout this study. A significant factor for coping has been peer support from colleagues within the workplace. The study highlighted the lack of understanding of the role of the radiographer and how the profession is perceived by other health care professionals.Implications for practiceThis study highlights the importance of interprofessional working and that further work is required in the promotion of the profession.     

The effect of different statistical approaches on image quality data obtained from radiological examinations

IntroductionSelection of optimal image acquisition protocols in medical imaging remains a grey area, the superimposed use of the Likert scale in radiological image quality evaluations creates an additional challenge for the statistical analysis of image quality data.Using a simulation study, we have trialled a novel approach to analysing radiological image quality Likert scale data.MethodsA simulation study was undertaken where simulated datasets were generated based on the distribution of Likert scale values according to varying image acquisition protocols from a real dataset. Simulated Likert scale values were pooled in four different ways; the mean, median, mode and the summation of patient Likert scale values of which the total was assigned a categorical Likert scale value. Estimates of bias, MAPE and RMSPE were then calculated for all four pooling approaches to determine which method most accurately represented an expert's opinion.ResultsWhen compared to an expert's opinion, the method of summation and categorisation of Likert scale values was most accurate 49 times out of the 114 (43.0%) tests. The mean 28 times out of 114 (24.6%), the median 23 times out of 114 (20.2%) and the mode 17 times out of 114 (14.9%).ConclusionWe conclude that our method of summation and categorisation of Likert scale values is most often the best representation of the simulated data compared to the expert's opinion.Implications for practiceThere is scope to reproduce this simulation study with multiple observers to reflect clinical reality more accurately with the dynamic nature of multiple observers. This also prompts future investigation into other anatomical areas, to see if the same methods produce similar results.     

Standardised or individualised X-ray tube angle for mediolateral oblique projection in digital mammography?

IntroductionWe aimed to investigate whether there were any differences in positioning criteria related to the presentation of the pectoralis major muscle (pectoral muscle) for women of different heights using a standardized 60° X-ray tube angle for mammograms in mediolateral oblique (MLO) projection.MethodsData from MLO mammograms of right breasts of 45,193 women screened in BreastScreen Norway 2016–2019 were used. The positioning criteria were related to the pectoral muscle length (measure A and measure B), width and shape and considered adequate or inadequate depending on the degree of fulfilling the criteria. Data associated with the pectoral muscle were extracted from Volpara, an automated software for breast density assessment. Information on height was obtained from a self-reported questionnaire received by the women together with the invitation to attend the screening program. Women were divided into three groups based on the height percentiles (P) in the Norwegian growth curves: < 25th percentile (<P25th: ≤163 cm), 25th-75th percentile (P25–P75th: 164–170 cm), and >75th percentile (>P75th: >170 cm). Logistic regression was used to analyse the odds of adequate pectoral muscle length A and B, and shape, adjusting each model for screening technique and equipment model. Results were presented with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsMean age of the screened women was 61.5 (SD = 4.8) years. The adequate measure for the pectoral muscle length A was obtained for 25.9% (11,724/45,193), length B for 76.3% (34,489/45,193), width for 75.0% (33,894/45,193) and shape for 97.6% (44,118/45,193) of the mammograms. Adjusted odds of an adequate pectoral muscle length A were lower for women of <P25th (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.86–0.95) compared to women of P25-75th. Odds of an adequate pectoral muscle length B were lower for women of <P25th (OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.84–0.93) and higher for women of >P75th (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.14) compared to women of P25-75. Odds of an adequate pectoral muscle shape were higher for women of <P25th (OR = 1.14, 95%CI 1.08–1.19) and lower for women of >P75th (OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.87–0.97) compared to women of P25-75th.ConclusionThe 60° X-ray tube angle might suit most of the female population offered mammographic screening in Norway, but women of a relatively low height (163 cm or lower) might benefit from an X-ray tube angle less than 60-degrees.Implications for practiceUsing 60° X-ray tube angle for the MLO mammograms in BreastScreen Norway fit the majority of the participating women. More research is needed to change the protocol associated with the tube angle for women shorter than 163 cm.     

UK reporting radiographers’ perceptions of AI in radiographic image interpretation – Current perspectives and future developments

IntroductionRadiographer reporting is accepted practice in the UK. With a national shortage of radiographers and radiologists, artificial intelligence (AI) support in reporting may help minimise the backlog of unreported images. Modern AI is not well understood by human end-users. This may have ethical implications and impact human trust in these systems, due to over- and under-reliance. This study investigates the perceptions of reporting radiographers about AI, gathers information to explain how they may interact with AI in future and identifies features perceived as necessary for appropriate trust in these systems.MethodsA Qualtrics® survey was designed and piloted by a team of UK AI expert radiographers. This paper reports the third part of the survey, open to reporting radiographers only.Results86 responses were received. Respondents were confident in how an AI reached its decision (n = 53, 62%). Less than a third of respondents would be confident communicating the AI decision to stakeholders. Affirmation from AI would improve confidence (n = 49, 57%) and disagreement would make respondents seek a second opinion (n = 60, 70%). There is a moderate trust level in AI for image interpretation. System performance data and AI visual explanations would increase trust.ConclusionsResponses indicate that AI will have a strong impact on reporting radiographers’ decision making in the future. Respondents are confident in how an AI makes decisions but less confident explaining this to others. Trust levels could be improved with explainable AI solutions.Implications for practiceThis survey clarifies UK reporting radiographers’ perceptions of AI, used for image interpretation, highlighting key issues with AI integration.     

Changing the model of radiography practice: Challenges of role advancement and future needs for radiographers working in the UAE

IntroductionThe radiographers' role in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is focused on image acquisition with a willingness to accept advanced practice roles after appropriate education and training. Radiographers working in the UAE are highly motivated and ambitious to achieve those internationally identified levels of professional recognition and opportunities for role advancement. This study investigates the radiographers’ perspectives, perceptions and hopes for role advancement in the UAE.MethodsA qualitative research study design using Focus Group Discussions (FGD) was used to elicit the perceptions of radiographers. Participants were radiographers working in the hospitals and clinics supervised by the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Participants were asked about the recognized tasks defined as advancement roles, needs for roles clinically, challenges and requirements to prepare radiographers to participate in extended/developed roles. The discussions were audio recorded and later transcribed by an independent research assistant. Thematic analysis was used for data analysisResults29 radiographers participated in the FGDs, and 83% (n = 24) were interested in role advancement. FGD revealed that their current practice showed some informal extended role that may promote career progression. The most significant challenges identified by participants was their knowledge level as provided by the current curriculum and the need for education and licensing body support to accommodate change.ConclusionThe study identified a need for education and licensing body support to enable change in roles by radiographers, through improving radiographer knowledge and experience for role advancement.Implications for practiceTo sustain role advancement, formal intense training and education are necessary, normally above bachelor's degree level. Furthermore, establishing standards, licensing organizations/professional bodies should be part of the transformation of the profession to enable internationally recognized models to be followed.