Radiographers’ experiences of the management of quality assurance programmes in public hospitals, South Africa

Willemse, Martijn; Williams, Maggie; Grobler, A.D.

doi:10.1016/j.radi.2019.05.007

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…P1 Similarly, a South African study reported that radiographers' constraint in performing quality control tests was attributed to the lack of managerial support and budget. 61 However, the Bonn Call for Action and the International Radiation Protection Association calls for strengthening radiation safety culture in healthcare by embedding radiation protection at the cultural level of an organisation. 62,63 Category 3: Strategies were suggested to foster radiation protection compliance Participants envisage changing radiographers' mindset and the inclusion of small practice changes may improve radiation protection compliance.…”

Section: Category 1: Patient-related Factors Contributed To Not Practising Radiation Protectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

South African radiographers’ radiation protection practices, a qualitative study

Lewis¹,

Downing

Hayre

2022

Radiography

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Introduction: Radiation protection is multifarious, and consequently, a radiographers' application of radiation protection is multifaceted. Studies have shown varying radiation protection practices among radiographers. The first quantitative phase of this explanatory, sequential mixed-method study used the theory of planned behaviour to explore South African radiographers' radiation protection behaviour. Overall, South African radiographers' attitudes to radiation protection, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and radiation protection intention was high. This second phase of the study aimed to explore the reasons for South African radiographers' radiation protection practices. Methods: This study used an exploratory and descriptive qualitative approach. Data was collected through 13 in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews. Thematic analysis was used in order to uncover original phenomena. Data saturation was achieved and the study adhered to trustworthiness and ethical measures. Results: Thematic analysis identified two themes. The participants had the appropriate radiation protection knowledge, but radiation protection compliance remained a personal choice. Impediments such as feeling rushed during imaging of trauma and challenging patients, patients knowledge of radiation protection, resources, imaging referrals, inadequate training when transitioning from analogue to digital radiography and managerial support contributed to radiation protection compliance. Strategies such as further education, research and a change in mindset were suggested to further foster radiation protection compliance. Conclusion: Even though participants' knowledge of radiation protection aligned with the legislated guidelines, limited internalising of the knowledge resulted in compliance being a personal choice. Participants reflected on their insouciant attitude and observed a similar attitude in their radiographer colleagues. Patient and work-related impediments were identified to contribute to radiation protection compliance. Strategies to further foster compliance were suggested. Implications for practice: Understanding the reasons for radiographers' choice in radiation protection will allow the development of strategies that foster optimum application of radiation protection practises. Developing a radiation protection culture that enhances personal compliance supported by education and evidence should be considered.

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Section: Category 1: Patient-related Factors Contributed To Not Practising Radiation Protectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

South African radiographers’ radiation protection practices, a qualitative study

Lewis¹,

Downing

Hayre

2022

Radiography

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…[3][4][5][6] Improving the availability of digital radiography in low-resource settings is only addressing part of the problem, however. Previous studies have shown that recommended quality assurance programs are often not implemented in low-resource settings, [7][8][9][10][11][12] typically due, in part, to the lack of required test instruments. 13 As a result, low-resource settings have a disproportionate occurrence of image "rejects" 10 and concomitant increase in unnecessary x-ray exposure to patients and staff.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Low-cost X-ray quality assurance system based on optical sensors and phosphor screen

Fleming,

Sikstrom,

Cunningham

et al. 2024

Optics and Biophotonics in Low-Resource Settings X

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Digital radiographic imaging systems are becoming more widely deployed in low-resource settings, potentially reducing the inequitable access to medical imaging that persists today. Even when resources are made available to install digital x-ray equipment, challenges remain with respect to ongoing maintenance and recommended quality assurance programs. Recent studies have indicated that a significant fraction of radiographic installations in Africa are not assessed at recommended intervals due to the lack of high-cost x-ray exposure meters. As a result, errors in x-ray exposure parameters (e.g. current, exposure time, or kilovoltage) can lead to suboptimal image quality, repeated exams, and unnecessary radiation exposure to patients and staff. We have developed a low-cost solution for routine x-ray quality assurance measurements, which takes advantage of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) electronic components integrated with a low-power microprocessor controller. The device employs four sensitive phototransistors connected to a multiplexed 16-bit analog-to-digital converter. Light input to the optical sensors is provided by a rare-earth phosphor screen (Lanex regular), which emits green light under exposure to x-rays. Estimation of spectral properties is enabled by the use of aluminum filters on two of the four photosensors. Acquisition is controlled by an open-source microprocessor (Arduino Nano 33 BLE) and the total cost of all components is less than $100 USD. Comparisons against a commercial sensor indicate that the optical-based measurements of x-ray exposure are linear and accurate to within ±3%, over the range from 60 to 140 kVp. This project demonstrates the feasibility of providing accurate, robust solid-state x-ray exposure measurements in low-resource settings.

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Physics audit of selected diagnostic X-Ray machines in Ghana: towards implementation of a national dosimetry audit programme

Sosu,

Boadu,

Hasford

et al. 2023

Health Technol.

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Radiographers’ experiences of the management of quality assurance programmes in public hospitals, South Africa

Cited by 6 publications

References 5 publications

South African radiographers’ radiation protection practices, a qualitative study

South African radiographers’ radiation protection practices, a qualitative study

Low-cost X-ray quality assurance system based on optical sensors and phosphor screen

Physics audit of selected diagnostic X-Ray machines in Ghana: towards implementation of a national dosimetry audit programme

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