This study was set up to determine the effect of a short course of study on radiographers' ability to identify fractures in a trauma context (Red Dot system). The performance of 133 radiographers attending Red Dot courses delivered from April 1999 to September 2003 was evaluated prospectively using a selected sample of radiographs. Assessment of fracture identification occurred before, immediately after and 6 months after the course. The same film set was used and consisted of 30 axial and appendicular cases, 18 with fractures and 12 normal or normal variants. Following a test for normality of the data, a Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was selected and paired tests were done between each assessment for sensitivity and specificity. There were significant differences in sensitivity between all three assessments (p

No abstract

A systematic review of interprofessional education (Freeth et al., 2002) revealed that there were many weaknesses in the current body of knowledge of interprofessional education outcomes. One reason for this was the lack of good quality study designs for evaluating the outcomes of interprofessional education. This paper discusses the range of tools that were found in the literature and describes the production and validation of two questionnaires that can be used as part of an interprofessional evaluation strategy. Firstly, a Generic Role Perception Questionnaire which can be used for measuring the perception of the role of a range of professions and a Nursing Role Perception Questionnaire used specifically for measuring the perception of the role of a nurse. Repertory grid technique was selected to elicit constructs from a multiprofessional group of final year undergraduate students. This pool was then used to develop the two questionnaires. Factor analysis, internal consistency and test re-test measures are used along with evidence of validity. The questionnaires were found to have acceptable validity and reliability and could be used as part of an IPE evaluation strategy to measure changes in professional role perception in an undergraduate population.

No abstract

Introduction and backgroundBreast compression force during screening mammography requires a degree of practitioner knowledge and expertise to achieve optimum image quality and reduce the mean glandular radiation dose.1, 2 Whilst it is recognised that the application of compression force is an Whilst quantitative approaches give valuable data, a humanistic, qualitative, perspective is also required in order to fully understand this phenomenon in depth and to provide a unique insight in to the factors influencing how compression force is applied.Using a phenomenological approach this study investigated the experiences of, and the influences on the behaviour of, practitioners applying compression force in mammography. By exploring the individual and collective beliefs and values that influence compression force practice this paper seeks to identify 'how' and 'why' practitioners practice as they do. MethodologyQualitative research is an overall term for a group of approaches that is concerned with the investigation of experiences and behaviour, and the meanings and interpretations that people attach to these 12 . It is therefore an exploration of the natural setting; in this case the breast screening units in this study. An ethnographic approach of observing practice was initially considered but this was rejected as being too intrusive for the clients and potentially a contentious ethical issue. It was however recognised that by seeking the practitioners own