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More than a comment: Radiographers' perspectives on image interpretation and image quality
A Tonks1, J Hewis2, Y Jimenez1
1Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group, Discipline of Medical Imaging Science, Susan Wakil Health Building, Western Ave, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
Introduction:
Radiographic quality is the degree to which technical requirements are met that result in clear and accurate reproduction of structures, to enable confident assessment and correct diagnosis. Radiographic image quality therefore comprises technical adequacy and diagnostic utility. It has been suggested that radiographer participation in the image interpretation process may improve their understanding of how these two elements are linked and therefore improve delivery of X-ray quality; however, this has not been directly examined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate radiographers' perspectives on X-ray image quality following the implementation of radiographer commenting.
Methods:
Radiographers who worked at hospitals that had implemented a Radiographer Comment and Alert model were invited to participate in one of four online focus groups recorded by Zoom in May-June 2024. The 13 participants, six females and seven males, had between two and 18 years of clinical experience across a range of modalities. Qualitative data was analysed using Braun & Clarke's Reflexive Thematic Analysis to generate themes and subthemes relevant to the study aim.
Results:
Six main themes were identified. The overarching finding was that image interpretation improved understanding and delivery of X-ray quality. The remaining five themes recognised mechanisms contributing to this; increased thought and reflection, enhanced performance expectations radiographers sought to meet, deeper knowledge-building and learning practices, improved technical decision making, and increased collaboration.
Conclusion:
Introduction of formal image interpretation practices can be used as a tool to improve radiographers' understanding and production of high-quality X-rays, which provide clinical and economic healthcare benefits.
Implications For Practice:
Radiographer commenting is within scope for all registered practitioners and can therefore be easily and widely utilised to benefit image quality in the clinical setting.
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