Feasibility of instructing radiology technologists in the performance of gastrointestinal fluoroscopy

Radiographers' professional knowledge regarding parameters and safety issues in plain radiography: a questionnaire survey

OBJECTIVE

To review the knowledge of radiographers and examine the possible sociodemographic and situational contributors to this knowledge.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was devised and distributed to a cohort of 120 radiographers. Each questionnaire contained two sections. In the first section, background data, including sex, age, highest academic level, grade point average (GPA), length of time from graduation, work experience as a radiographer and the status of previous refresher course(s), were collected. The second section contained 17 multiple-choice questions concerning radiographic imaging parameters and safety issues.

RESULTS

The response rate was 63.8%. In univariate analytic model, higher academic degree (p < 0.001), higher GPA (r(2) = 0.11; p = 0.001), academic workplace (p = 0.04) and taking previous refresher course(s) (p = 0.01) were significantly associated with higher knowledge score. In multivariate analytic model, however, higher academic degree (B = 1.62; p = 0.01), higher GPA (B = 0.50; p = 0.01) and taking previous refresher course(s) (B = -1.26; p = 0.03) were independently associated with higher level of knowledge. Age, sex, length of time from graduation and work experience were not associated with the respondents' knowledge score.

CONCLUSION

Academic background is a robust indicator of a radiographer's professional knowledge. Refresher courses and regular knowledge assessments are highly recommended.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This is the first study in the literature that examines professional knowledge of radiographers in terms of technical and safety issues in plain radiography. Academic degree, GPA and refresher courses are independent predictors of this knowledge. Regular radiographer professional knowledge checks may be recommended.

Comparison of radiologists and technologists in the performance of air-contrast barium enemas

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the rate of polyp detection and the quality of air-contrast barium enema (ACBE) procedures performed by technologists differ from those performed by radiologists.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that well-trained certified technologists can perform ACBE similar in overall quality and accuracy to ACBE performed by attending physicians and residents. Training technologists to perform ACBE may help to alleviate the radiology staffing shortage in the United States.

The likely effects of radiologist extenders on radiology training

Manpower shortages have led many radiologists to consider using radiologist extenders, and the American Society of Radiological Technologists and the ACR have responded by formulating the radiology assistant (RA) program. There is no doubt that the RA program is becoming a reality or that it can be a boon to radiologists and physician radiologist trainees in freeing up faculty members' time, freeing trainees from repetitive tasks, and providing limited instruction in RAs' areas of expertise. Patients will likely accept RAs and trainee physicians equally. A financial analysis of using residents and physician extenders in anesthesia suggests that residents may be a cheaper labor source in those institutions not at the cap for resident positions.