Improving radiographer highlighting of trauma films in the accident and emergency department with a short course of study--an evaluation

The case for radiographer abnormality highlighting in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department is well documented. Following evaluative feedback, 280 questionnaires were sent nationally to A&E radiology departments (excluding Northern Ireland). The intent of the survey was to ascertain the viability of constructing a short course in trauma plain film pattern recognition in the axial and appendicular skeleton. Following a highly positive response a course was designed and operated on a workshop basis, being lead primarily by reporting radiographers. The course was evaluated for effectiveness using three identical assessments of 42 films, including 12 positive for trauma. A sample of 22 radiographers who attended the pilot course and subsequent courses throughout 1998/99 undertook the assessment. The assessments themselves were performed at the start and end of the course and 6-10 weeks after completion. Results appear to indicate that a significant improvement in the specificity (p = 0.002) and accuracy (p = 0.005) was achieved following the course. In the light of continuing professional development, the course appears to address the needs of the majority of clinical radiographers working in A&E.