Radiographic image interpretation by Australian radiographers: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiography
• Healthcare Professions

Background:

• Preliminary Image Evaluation (PIE) is integrated into the Australian radiographer role.
• Perceptions of radiographer capacity and barriers to PIE adoption are variable and lack evidence.
• This review examines the literature on Australian radiographer image interpretation and implementation barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on radiographic image interpretation by Australian radiographers.
• To identify barriers to the implementation of preliminary image evaluation (PIE) by radiographers in Australia.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Searches conducted across Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Informit.
• Inclusion criteria: English language, peer-reviewed articles on Australian radiographer image interpretation; exclusion of non-primary research.

Main Results:

• 19 articles met inclusion criteria from 926 studies screened.
• Included studies comprised 11 cohort studies, 7 cross-sectional surveys, and 1 randomized controlled trial.
• Radiographer image interpretation accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity ranged from 57-98%, 45-98%, and 68-98% respectively. Primary barriers identified were lack of accessible educational resources and insufficient support from radiologists and radiographers.

Conclusions:

• Australian radiographers possess the capability to perform preliminary image evaluation (PIE).
• Implementation of PIE is constrained by educational and clinical support barriers.
• Targeted education and a defined role for radiographers in image evaluation are crucial for broader acceptance in Australia.