This article explores the use of X-ray exposures following the introduction of direct digital radiography (DDR). Radiographers are central to delivering optimum levels of ionising radiation whilst maintaining sound image quality for radiological interpretation. Yet do radiographers utilise X-ray exposures appropriately? An ethnographic methodology provides insight of two general radiographic environments in the United Kingdom (UK) using participant observation and semi-structure interviews. A central theme uncovered as part of a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) study was the lack of autonomy concerning X-ray exposures within the general imaging environment. The findings highlight 'how radiographers behave'. For example, some radiographers do not alter 'pre-set' X-ray exposures, arguably failing to produce images of optimum diagnostic quality. Secondly, radiographers acknowledge 'whacking up', 'cranking up' and 'bumping up' X-ray exposures ensuring image production. In conclusion this article provides an original insight into the attitudes and behaviours of radiographers regarding Xray exposures in contemporary practices using DDR. Dose and image optimisation are central tenets of radiographic practice that may be hindered in contemporary practices.

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This commentary offers a contemporary perspective on personalised medicine (PM) within diagnostic radiography. PM refers to the use of a person's genetic information in tailoring strategies for the detection, treatment, or prevention of disease. Some key issues are raised in light of this new specialty and how it may affect diagnostic imaging. First, technological and commercial drivers are outlined, supported with ethical considerations. The authors then offer some future challenges that remain evident within the literature. The aim of this article is to begin to acknowledge the importance of PM, but most importantly, identify aspects where diagnostic imaging plays a pivotal role. R ESUM E Cette br eve communication offre une perspective contemporaine sur la m edecine personnalis ee (MP) en radiographie diagnostique. La MP renvoie a l'utilisation des renseignements g en eriques d'une personne pour etablir des strat egies adapt ees pour la d etection, le traitement ou la pr evention des maladies. Certains enjeux cl es sont soulev es a la lumi ere de cette nouvelle sp ecialit e et de l'incidence qu'elle pourrait avoir sur l'imagerie diagnostique. Dans un premier temps, les moteurs technologiques et commerciaux sont pr esent es, appuy es par des consid erations etiques. Les auteurs pr esentent ensuite quelques d efis a venir, soutenus par trois sc enarios qui restent evidents dans la documentation scientifique. Le but de cet article est de commencer a reconnaître l'importance de la MP, mais surtout d'identifier des aspects dans lesquels l'imagerie diagnostique joue un rôle crucial.

The use of virtual reality (VR) amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has been paramount. Typically, radiography students are exposed to a range of learning methods; notably, lectures, tutorials, technical positioning sessions, coupled with the attendance of practice placements. Yet, our sudden need for social distancing, isolation, and for some, strict lockdown measures, required change within our academic delivery. The sudden need for virtual change in higher education has been felt worldwide and although the utility of VR in radiography has been used prior to COVID-19, it has never been used as a supplementary tool for clinical placement. In response, this commentary provides us with an opportunity to explore the appropriateness of VR in future years and what it may mean of prospective students. This commentary not only highlights our reliance on VR but identifies how it kept abreast with quality standards. This enables critical reflection on whether a ‘new educational normal’ or ‘new educational abnormal’ can take place in the higher education setting, in radiography, and perhaps healthcare education in general following the COVID-19 pandemic.