The impact of a short course of study on the performance of radiographers when highlighting fractures on trauma radiographs: “The Red Dot System”

Abstract

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<or=0.05), the pre-course/post-course and the post-course/6 month comparison being highly significant (p<or=0.01). Specificity showed significant differences between the pre-course/post-course (p<or=0.01) and the post-course/6 month follow-up scores (p<or=0.05), but no difference was found between the 6 months/pre-course scores. The participants improved their ability to identify fractures and this appears to be as a result of the course. This improvement was not demonstrable after 6 months, although only 30% of participants took part in this follow-up. Radiographers can improve their image interpretation skills from a short course of study, but probably need continuing professional development to maintain these skills.

An investigation into the use of radiographer abnormality detection systems by Queensland public hospitals

“…The results indicated short course study was conducive to an improvement in radiographers' plain radiographic image interpretation skills. However, access to continued education was recommended to preserve these skills in the long term . Similar findings were noted by McConnell and colleagues when assessing radiographers’ ability to describe musculoskeletal trauma radiographs following a pilot education program .…”

“…These centres may lack the educational resources to conduct required training; issues such as this should be met with strong concern and addressed in the planning phase. Taking this into account, it is worth noting that previous studies regarding radiographer education and image interpretation have reported promising results . Mackay conducted a study investigating the impact of a short course of study on the performance of radiographers when highlighting fractures on trauma radiographs .…”

“…Taking this into account, it is worth noting that previous studies regarding radiographer education and image interpretation have reported promising results. 17,20 Mackay conducted a study investigating the impact of a short course of study on the performance of radiographers when highlighting fractures on trauma radiographs. 20 The results indicated short course study was conducive to an improvement in radiographers' plain radiographic image interpretation skills.…”

A Review of the AAOS International Scholars Program after 14 Years: Professional Development and Education of the Recipients

“…The effectiveness and maintenance of knowledge and skills garnered from a short-course format learning experience has been challenged in the literature (Mackay, 2006;Malling et al, 2009). On the contrary, there is substantial literature that supports the use of short-course format for medical and surgical primary education as well as continuing medical education (Morino et al, 1995;Keleher et al, 2005;Cheifetz and Phang, 2006;Patel et al, 2008;Scott et al, 2008;Devine et al, 2009;Bansal et al, 2012;Wilkins et al, 2015).…”

Intraorbital foreign body detection and localisation by radiographers: A preliminary JAFROC observer performance study

“…Furthermore it supports research and initial modelling of future role extension and development of radiographer's ability in service improvement within MRI departments. The efficacy of running short courses has the ability to produce change and has been shown to be beneficial in improving radiographic interpretation 52,53 .…”