Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2025

Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care
Published on: September 22, 2023
Clinical indications for plain abdominal radiographs: A survey study among radiographers
Lynn Burrell1, Razana Williams1, Wilma Ten Ham-Baloyi2
1Department of Radiography, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa.
Background:
Abdominal pain is a common complaint in the Emergency Department. Radiographers' knowledge and practices regarding clinical indications for performing abdominal examinations are crucial in the results radiographs produced.
Aim:
To determine the knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding the clinical indications for performing radiographic examinations of the abdomen.
Setting:
Four public hospitals in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted, using a convenience, all-inclusive sample of n = 85 radiographers. A hard copy self-administered questionnaire was distributed between February and June 2020. Descriptive (mean and standard deviations) and inferential (chi² test) statistics were generated using IBM® SPSS® version 26.0 software package.
Results:
Knowledge of clinical indications had a mean of 59.41. All four demographics (age, years of experience, attended a short course and attended pattern recognition course) were significantly associated with overall knowledge. Additionally, short course attendance was significantly associated with most practice items, and two knowledge items (which views are done for perforation; and which view(s) demonstrate a stab abdomen). Pattern recognition was significantly associated with one knowledge item (which views are regarded as an acute abdomen).
Conclusion:
Despite the lack of short courses and pattern recognition courses, radiographers' knowledge of clinical indications was good (>50%). Continuous training, accessible protocols for performing clinical indications for plain abdominal radiographic examinations for radiographers, audit, feedback and reminders to enhance protocol adherence are recommended.
Contribution:
The study findings could be used to enhance knowledge and practices regarding clinical indications for plain abdominal radiographic examinations among radiographers.
Related Concept Videos
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
X-ray Imaging
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies

