Undergraduate use of medical radiation science mobile applications

IntroductionDespite the technologically intense nature of the medical radiation science (MRS) profession, literature specifically supporting the adoption of mobile learning in MRS education is scarce. To this aim, we explored student utilization of and influences for choosing MRS applications (apps, a specific type of mobile learning) within the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science course at Charles Sturt University (CSU), Australia. Secondary objectives briefly investigated content reliability within selected chosen apps and overall student willingness to embrace this methodology prior to mainstream integration.MethodsA mixed-method census survey was delivered to 415 enrolled students using the software Survey Monkey to compile responses to 28 questions. Inclusion criteria included students who owned a smartphone or tablet and who used any apps listed on the survey.ResultsAmong the 97 students who completed the survey, 37% (36/97) freely use MRS apps at least weekly (70%, 21/30), of which anatomy atlases were reported as most popular. Peer recommendation influenced 67% (20/30) of students to choose the MRS apps used. Thirty-seven percent (11/30) of students integrated only one method to check the accuracy of app content prior to download. Students who do not use MRS apps (78%, 76/97) stated they were unaware of this resource; however, 91% (80/88) of the respondents indicated they would use MRS apps if incorporated into the curriculum.ConclusionThe majority of CSU students agreed that apps offer a convenient way to engage in a variety of interactive content both in the classroom and on-the-go, using apps most pertinent to their specific curriculum and/or for revision. Students preferred to use MRS apps if integrated as supplemental study tools vetted by the lecturer.     

The Internet and the medical radiation science practitioner

PurposeThe Internet is an important information source for health practitioners providing immediate access to the most current health and medical information. Factors limiting practitioner access to the Internet have been identified and the literature shows that access to the Internet varies across and within health professions. There is therefore a need for each health profession to investigate practitioner access to the Internet. There has been, however, no identified empirical research investigating medical radiation science (MRS) practitioner access to or use of the Internet. This research sought to establish the professional use of Internet-based tools by Australian MRS practitioners and issues affecting access to the Internet within MRS workplaces.MethodsQualitative and quantitative approaches were used in this research. These included interviews with 28 MRS practitioners from the four areas of specialisation, namely nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, radiography and sonography and a survey of MRS practitioners. In 2007 a 4-page postal survey was sent to a random sample of 1142 MRS practitioners with a response rate of 32.8%.ResultsThe Internet is an important information source widely used by MRS practitioners. MRS practitioners search the Internet (87%), access specific web pages (86%), use email (82%) and listservs (39.4%) to update their professional knowledge. It was evident that access to the Internet within the workplace varied within the MRS profession. Whilst the majority (96.4%) of MRS practitioners had some level of access to the Internet in their workplace, factors shown to affect practitioner access were workplace setting (p = 0.000), work environment (p = 0.000), and geographic location (p = 0.025). The majority of clinical workplaces (81%) did not provide practitioners with remote access to electronic resources available in the workplace such as e-journals and databases.ConclusionsThis research provides baseline data to the MRS profession on the professional use of the Internet by MRS practitioners and issues limiting the accessibility of information available through the Internet to MRS practitioners. These issues must be addressed by organisations such as professional societies, registration bodies and workplaces that currently recognise or mandate that MRS practitioners must stay up-to-date with the changing knowledge base of their profession.     

Profession and professionalisation in medical radiation science as an emergent profession

PurposeDeregulation, reduced operating costs, new ways of organising the professional workforce, increasing competition within the healthcare sector and increasing consumer expectations are factors that challenge any health profession. This paper, which forms part of the first author's doctoral study on continuing professional development in medical radiation science, details the journey of medical radiation science as a profession in Australia. Specifically, the paper examines the challenges confronting practitioners in their struggle to be recognised as a profession in its own right.FindingsThe challenges facing medical radiation science practitioners included low professional self-esteem and apathy, which adversely affects their willingness and ability to continue learning and to assume increasing work responsibilities which are essential attributes of a health professional. Low self-esteem and apathy are also preventing practitioners from venturing beyond their comfort zone of daily workplace practices. This ultimately impacts on their ability to advance clinical practice in response to a constantly changing health care system.ConclusionDespite the current difficulties confronting the profession, it is possible for practitioners to assume a more proactive role in moving the profession forward. As part of the solution to improving practitioners’ low self-esteem and to rekindling their enthusiasm for the profession, the authors propose that continuing professional development programs should go beyond simply assisting practitioners in advancing clinical competence. They should also aim to empower practitioners to develop their reflective skills. Reflection is now widely promoted in healthcare professions as one of the means of enhancing clinical practice and improving healthcare delivery. To this end, educational designers should incorporate reflection into professional development programs as both a learning goal and a strategy. Helping practitioners to become more reflective provides an effective way to address the major challenges that are currently confronting the medical radiation science profession.     

A virtual radiation therapy workflow training simulation

AimSimulation forms an increasingly vital component of clinical skills development in a wide range of professional disciplines. Simulation of clinical techniques and equipment is designed to better prepare students for placement by providing an opportunity to learn technical skills in a “safe” academic environment. In radiotherapy training over the last decade or so this has predominantly comprised treatment planning software and small ancillary equipment such as mould room apparatus. Recent virtual reality developments have dramatically changed this approach. Innovative new simulation applications and file processing and interrogation software have helped to fill in the gaps to provide a streamlined virtual workflow solution. This paper outlines the innovations that have enabled this, along with an evaluation of the impact on students and educators.MethodVirtual reality software and workflow applications have been developed to enable the following steps of radiation therapy to be simulated in an academic environment: CT scanning using a 3D virtual CT scanner simulation; batch CT duplication; treatment planning; 3D plan evaluation using a virtual linear accelerator; quantitative plan assessment, patient setup with lasers; and image guided radiotherapy software.ResultsEvaluation of the impact of the virtual reality workflow system highlighted substantial time saving for academic staff as well as positive feedback from students relating to preparation for clinical placements. Students valued practice in the “safe” environment and the opportunity to understand the clinical workflow ahead of clinical department experience.ConclusionSimulation of most of the radiation therapy workflow and tasks is feasible using a raft of virtual reality simulation applications and supporting software. Benefits of this approach include time-saving, embedding of a case-study based approach, increased student confidence, and optimal use of the clinical environment. Ongoing work seeks to determine the impact of simulation on clinical skills.     

Development and challenges of a new academic discipline, radiography science

Aim

The purpose of this article is to describe and discuss the development and challenges faced by radiography science as a new academic discipline.

Background

New academic disciplines develop continually from different circumstances and for different purposes. As they develop, they are faced with the challenge of justifying their status as independent academic disciplines in various ways. Radiography science is one of the youngest disciplines among health sciences in Finland, challenged by the academic community, society and clinical practice.

Conclusions

Radiography science in Finland has already shown considerable development and achieved many substantial and structural criteria set for independent academic disciplines. However, resources are still very limited and the profile of radiography science needs to be clarified. Challenges should be considered as inspirational opportunities and takeoff for the development of radiography science nationally and internationally.     

Interprofessional education (IPE) in medical radiation science: A scoping review

IntroductionInterprofessional education (IPE) in medical radiation education is designed to enhance both student and longer-term patient outcomes. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the available evidence and examine the effectiveness of IPE strategies used to enhance the development of medical radiation science (MRS) students.MethodsMedline, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Emcare were searched for articles which employed an experimental study design to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of IPE for MRS students. Two reviewers screened and extracted relevant data independently. Critical appraisal was conducted using the JBI critical appraisal tool.ResultsEighteen studies were included in this review. Diverse approaches to IPE were discovered, particularly in terms of the method of delivery, setting and duration of interventions. MRS students interact with many professions, particularly medical doctors and nurses. All studies which employed a control arm demonstrated statistically positive findings favoring IPE intervention(s). In pre-post studies, most IPE interventions reported significant positive differences after IPE was implemented. This entailed an enhanced perceived knowledge and understanding of other professions, and ability to undertake their role in the team.ConclusionIPE was shown to be effective in enhancing students’ perceptions and attitudes and to a limited extent, improve knowledge acquisition. Future research should assess long-term effects and patient-related outcomes.Implications for practiceIPE in a variety of formats demonstrates positive results for MRS students; however, interventions which are longer-term, conducted in small groups, and performed earlier in the educational pathway, may demonstrate greater effectiveness.     

The use of simulation and moulage in undergraduate diagnostic radiography education: A burns scenario

IntroductionThere is a national drive to increase allied health professions simulation training. However, there is a paucity of literature within diagnostic radiography in relation to clinical simulation. No research could be found regarding the impact of simulation in radiography with complex clinical burns scenarios.This research aims to explore the perceptions of radiography undergraduate students regarding their preparedness for the complex care requirements in imaging examinations of clinical burns cases using a mixed methods approach.MethodA small-scale simulation-based teaching session was developed in a Scottish HEI, using role play and moulage to create realism. Twenty-eight undergraduate student radiographers participated in the scenario. Students completed pre and post-scenario questionnaires using Likert scale and free response data. Focus groups were undertaken three months after the simulation to obtain rich qualitative data. Common themes were identified via a process of initial coding and a 6-phase thematic analysis.ResultsThematic analysis demonstrated a marked increased perception of preparedness post-scenario; students felt more prepared to undertake their role in the imaging of complex care patients (Likert scoring increased with both mode and median post-scenario). Common themes that were identified were patient centeredness, realism and learning.ConclusionWithin this limited pilot project, the use of simulation was an effective means of preparing students to understand their role within the complex care setting (with respect to the traumatic realism of burns) in preparedness for professional practice. Additionally, students related to the practical understanding of the complexity of human factors that exist within clinical practice.     

A review of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pre-registration medical radiation science education

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic has changed traditional ways to provide pre-registration medical radiation science (MRS) (medical imaging and radiation therapy) education. This literature review explores the published pre-registration MRS education curriculum adaptations implemented in response to the pandemic and effects of the adaptations on stakeholders.Key findingsEleven articles were identified through a systematic literature search. The included articles covered the pre-registration MRS curriculum adaptations implemented in response to the pandemic in 12 countries of five continents. Through changing content delivery and assessment modes from face-to-face to online, non-practical classes and academic assessments could continue without significant interruptions. However, cancellation/postponement of practical classes and clinical placements was common during COVID-19 lockdown. Simulated learning was used by some institutions to replace some practical classes and placements. Among the stakeholders of MRS education (students, academics and clinical educators), the students were most affected. The main impacts were negative psychological effects and learning experiences. For the academics, they had common concerns about online learning quality and assessment integrity.ConclusionThis review of the early publications in the first year of the pandemic provides an illustration of the MRS curriculum adaptations implemented in five continents covering both English and non-English speaking countries and their effects on the stakeholders as yet. It is expected that more articles on this area will be published over time and hence allowing a more comprehensive review in the future.Implications for practiceThe included articles show provision of wellbeing support, good planning of online content delivery based on sound pedagogical approaches, implementation of computer-based simulation tools suitable for home-based learning environment and use of authentic online assessments would address the impacts on the students and academics.     

CTSim: Changing teaching practice in radiography with simulation

IntroductionSimulation offers radiography students the possibility to experiment with Computed Tomography (CT) in a way not possible in clinical practice. The aim of this work was to test a newly developed simulator ‘CTSim’ for effectiveness in teaching and learning.MethodsThe simulator was tested in two phases. The first phase used a test-retest methodology with two groups, a group that experienced a Simulation based learning intervention and one which did not. The second phase subsequently tested for changes when the same intervention was introduced as part of an existing CT training module.ResultsPhase 1 demonstrated statistically significant improvement of mean scores from 58% to 68% (P < .05) for students who experienced the intervention against no change in scores for the control group. Phase 2 saw mean scores improve statistically significantly in a teaching module from 66% to 73% (P < .05) following the application of the intervention as an active learning component.ConclusionThe use of the CTSim simulator had a demonstrable effect on student learning when used as an active learning component in CT teaching.Implications for practiceSimulation tools have a place in enhancing teaching and learning in terms of effectiveness and also introduce variety in the medium by which this is done.     

Challenges and optimization strategies in medical imaging service delivery during COVID-19

In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), medical imaging plays an essential role in the diagnosis, management and disease progression surveillance. Chest radiography and computed tomography are commonly used imaging techniques globally during this pandemic. As the pandemic continues to unfold, many healthcare systems worldwide struggle to balance the heavy strain due to overwhelming demand for healthcare resources. Changes are required across the entire healthcare system and medical imaging departments are no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on medical imaging practices. It is now time to pay further attention to the profound challenges of COVID-19 on medical imaging services and develop effective strategies to get ahead of the crisis. Additionally, preparation for operations and survival in the post-pandemic future are necessary considerations. This review aims to comprehensively examine the challenges and optimization of delivering medical imaging services in relation to the current COVID-19 global pandemic, including the role of medical imaging during these challenging times and potential future directions post-COVID-19.     

浅议放射卫生在医用辐射防护领域的几个问题

电离辐射在医学中的应用发展迅猛,与之紧密相连的医用电离辐射安全与防护问题始终是放射卫生工作的重要内容之一。本文从国民医疗照射水平与现状、医疗照射正当性判定、放射诊疗设备质量控制与保证、放射工作人员职业照射防护和放射诊疗患者健康效应研究等几个方面介绍我国当前的工作情况,分析存在的问题,提出相关建议。     

Computer based simulation in CT and MRI radiography education: Current role and future opportunities

ObjectiveThe use of Computer-based simulation (CBS), a form of simulation which utilises digital and web based platforms, is widely acknowledged in healthcare education. This literature review explores the current evidence relating to CBS activities in supporting radiographer education in CT and MRI.Key findingsJournal articles published between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed (n = 663). The content was evaluated and summarised with the following headings; current utility, overview of CBS types, knowledge acquisition and evaluation, and student perspective.CBS utility in CT and MRI radiography education is limited. Its current use is for pre-registration education, and the interfaces used vary in design but are predominantly used as a preclinical learning tool to support the training of geometric scan planning, image acquisition and reconstruction, and associated technical skills. CBS was positively acknowledged by student radiographers; based on its inherent flexibility, self-paced learning and the ability to practice in a safe environment. Nonetheless, the educational validation of CBS in CT and MRI education pertaining to knowledge and skill acquisition has not been fully assessed through rigorous academic assessments and metrics.ConclusionThe current use of CBS in CT and MRI education is limited. The development of software programmes with functionality and capability that correlates with current clinical practice is imperative; and to enable more research in CBS utility to be undertaken to establish the efficacy of this pedagogical approach.Implications for practiceDue to limited placement opportunities, the use of simulation is increasing and evolving; in line with the approach to design and deliver high quality Simulation Based Education (SBE) in Diagnostic Radiography education. The continued development, utility and evaluation of CBS interfaces to support student radiographers at pre and post registration level is therefore essential.     

Patient safety in medical imaging: A joint paper of the European Society of Radiology (ESR) and the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS)

The fundamental professional roles of radiographers and radiologists are focused on providing benefit to patients with our skills, while maintaining their safety at all times. There are numerous patient safety issues in radiology which must be considered. These encompass: protection from direct harm arising from the techniques and technologies we use; ensuring physical and psychological well-being of patients while under our care; maintaining the highest possible quality of service provision; and protecting the staff to ensure they can deliver safe services. This paper summarises the key categories of safety issues in the provision of radiology services, from the joint perspectives of radiographers and radiologists, and provides references for further reading in all major relevant areas. This is a joint statement of the European Society of Radiology (ESR) and the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS), published simultaneously in Insights into Imaging [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-019-0721-y] and Radiography [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2019.01.009].     

Concerns for medical radiation programs in Australian universities

The Australian higher education system is in a state of great change. The Federal education minister, Dr Brendan Nelson, has indicated that he intends to continue introducing far-reaching reforms that will impact significantly on how universities conduct teaching and research. The future allocation of government funding for university programs, including those in medical radiation, will have a significant effect on how those programs are delivered and could even determine whether programs remain viable. There will be a financial imperative for academic departments to strengthen research activity and to obtain funding from non-government sources, such as full-fee paying students, in order to generate enough income to cover program delivery. Medical radiation education in Australia is also facing many other challenges. Some of these are longstanding, such as the high cost of medical radiation program delivery, poor levels of research activity and difficulty in recruiting and retaining academic staff. Other problems have arisen recently, such as increased competition for students and a critical shortage of available training placements in clinical practice. The aim of this paper is to raise and explore these issues from a university perspective.     

低剂量放疗在新型冠状病毒肺炎治疗中的应用

新型冠状病毒全球大流行,危重症新型冠状病毒肺炎患者合并细胞因子风暴成为临床亟待解决的难题.低剂量放疗曾短暂用于肺炎的治疗.过去数十年,研究者一直致力于阐明低剂量放疗的生物学机制.低剂量放疗具有炎症抑制作用,已在危重症新型冠状病毒肺炎中取得了初步的效果,受到了学术界和放疗界的重点关注.本文回顾了低剂量放疗在肺炎中的应用,...     

Fostering a culture of interprofessional education for radiation therapy and medical dosimetry students

A less-studied aspect of radiation therapy and medical dosimetry education is experiential learning through attendance at interprofessional conferences. University of North Carolina radiation therapy and medical dosimetry students regularly attended morning conferences and daily pretreatment peer review, including approximately 145 hours of direct interaction with medical attending physicians and residents, medical physicists, and other faculty. We herein assessed the effect of their participation in these interprofessional conferences on knowledge and communication. The students who graduated from our radiation therapy and medical dosimetry programs who were exposed to the interprofessional education initiative were compared with those who graduated in the previous years. The groups were compared with regard to their knowledge (as assessed by grades on end-of-training examinations) and team communication (assessed via survey). The results for the 2 groups were compared via exact tests. There was a trend for the examination scores for the 2012 cohort to be higher than for the 2007 to 2011 groups. Survey results suggested that students who attended the interprofessional education sessions were more comfortable speaking with attending physicians, residents, physicists, and faculty compared with earlier students who did not attend these educational sessions. Interprofessional education, particularly vertical integration, appears to provide an enhanced educational experience both in regard to knowledge (per the examination scores) and in building a sense of communication (via the survey results). Integration of interprofessional education into radiation therapy and medical dosimetry educational programs may represent an opportunity to enrich the learning experience in multiple ways and merits further study.     

The impact of COVID-19 upon student radiographers and clinical training

IntroductionTo investigate student clinical placement concerns and opinions, during the initial COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and to inform educational institution support planning.MethodsBetween mid-June to mid-July 2020, educational institutions from 12 countries were invited to participate in an online survey designed to gain student radiographer opinion from a wide geographical spread and countries with varying levels of COVID-19 cases.Results1277 respondents participated, of these 592 had completed clinical placements during January to June 2020. Accommodation and cohabiting risks were identified as challenging, as was isolation from family, travel to clinical placements, and to a lesser extent childcare. Students stated they had been affected by the feeling of isolation and concerns about the virus whilst on placement. Overall 35.4% of all respondents were ‘Not at all worried’ about being a radiographer, however, 64.6% expressed varying levels of concern and individual domestic or health situations significantly impacted responses (p ≤ 0.05). Year 4 students and recent graduates were significantly more likely to be ‘Not worried at all’ compared to Year 2 and 3 students (p ≤ 0.05). The need for improved communication regarding clinical placements scheduling was identified as almost 50% of students on clinical placements between January to June 2020 identified the completion of assessments as challenging. Furthermore, only 66% of respondents with COVID-19 imaging experience stated being confident with personal protective equipment (PPE) use.ConclusionStudent radiographers identified key challenges which require consideration to ensure appropriate measures are in place to support their ongoing needs. Importantly PPE training is required before placement regardless of prior COVID-19 imaging experience.Implications for practiceAs the next academic year commences, the study findings identify important matters to be considered by education institutions with responsibility for Radiography training and as students commence clinical placements during the on-going global COVID-19 pandemic.     

七例疑似受照的医疗工作人员染色体畸变分析

目的 通过对怀疑受到电离辐射照射的医疗工作人员进行外周血淋巴细胞染色体畸变分析,探讨可能的受影响因素.方法 某医院检验科工作人员7名,男性1名,女性6名.他们工作室的楼下是医院CT室,工作室和CT室间的楼板为厚度约6 cm的普通预制板.采用常规法,对7名人员外周血淋巴细胞染色体畸变进行分析.结果 4例女性工作人员外周血中检测到双着丝粒体(dic),dic率为0.40％ ～ 1.60％,明显高于dic的自发率(0.03％,x2=36.79,P＜0.05);在所有工作人员中均检测到易位畸变,易位率在0.33％～1.20％之间,明显高于易位的自发率(0.01％,X2=42.90,P＜0.05).结论 推测这些工作人员受到过量电离辐射照射.     

Awareness of radiation protection and dose levels of imaging procedures among medical students,radiography students,and radiology residents at an academic hospital: Results of a comprehensive survey

PurposeTo evaluate the awareness of radiation protection issues and the knowledge of dose levels of imaging procedures among medical students, radiology residents, and radiography students at an academic hospital.Material and methodsA total of 159 young doctors and students (including 60 radiology residents, 56 medical students, and 43 radiography students) were issued a questionnaire consisting of 16 multiple choice questions divided into three separated sections (i.e., demographic data, awareness about radiation protection issues, and knowledge about radiation dose levels of common radiological examinations).ResultsMedical students claimed to have at least a good knowledge of radiation protection issues more frequently than radiology residents and radiography students (94.4% vs 55% and 35.7%, respectively; P < 0.05), with no cases of perceived excellent knowledge among radiography students. However, the actual knowledge of essential radiation protection topics such as regulations, patient and tissue susceptibility to radiation damage, professional radiation risk and dose optimisation, as well as of radiation doses delivered by common radiological procedures was significantly worse among medical students than radiology residents and radiography students (P < 0.05). Those latter significantly outperformed radiology residents as to knowledge of radiation protection issues (P < 0.01). Overall, less than 50% of survey respondents correctly answered all questions of the survey.ConclusionsRadiology residents, radiography students and medical students have a limited awareness about radiation protection, with a specific gap of knowledge concerning real radiation doses of daily radiological examinations. Both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching needs to be effectively implemented with radiation safety courses.