Towards the scale and menace of unregulated sonography practice in Ghana

Gorleku, Philip Narteh; Setorglo, Jacob; Ofori, Ishmael Nii; Edzie, Emmanuel Kobina Mesi; Dzefi-Tettey, Klenam; Piersson, Albert Dayor; Chinyerenwa, Okara; Ackom, Daniel; Adu‐Gyamfi, Enoch Appiah

doi:10.29392/001c.17604

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…This study also reported the availability of MRI in the country [9]. However, there is an increased use of ultrasound equipment because it is the first-line imaging modality for the diagnosis of uterine fibroids and pregnancy, as it is inexpensive, easier to use, very portable and clearly provides adequate features for the diagnosis of uterine fibroids [10][11][12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 65%

Age of first diagnosis and incidence rate of uterine fibroids in Ghana. A retrospective cohort study

et al. 2023

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Background Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in or on the uterus of women. Globally, they occur in more than 80% of women of African ancestry and 70% in white women. Uterine fibroid requires much attention because of its high incidence rate among women of all races and ages. This study sought to document the age of first diagnosis and incidence rates of uterine fibroids in our urban setting. Methods This study reviewed and analyzed the ages and year of diagnosis of all 2,469 patients with the first diagnosis of uterine fibroids from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2021 in South-Central Ghana. The obtained data were analyzed using GNU PSPP, Python on Jupyter Notebook and Libre Office Calc with statistical significance level set at p≤0.05. Results The overall average age was 36.29±8.08 years, with age range 17–61 years and the age groups with the highest frequencies were 35–39 years (n = 642, 26.00%), 30–34 years (n = 563, 22.80%) and 40–44 years (n = 381, 15.43%). The mean ages of the patients in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 were 36.70±8.00 years (95%CI = 35.97–37.43), 37.07±7.66 years (95%CI = 36.45–37.70), 35.92±7.87 years (95%CI = 35.30–36.53) and 35.78±8.54 years (95%CI = 35.19–36.38) respectively. The incidence rate (per 100,000) of uterine fibroids in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 were 66.77 (95% CI = 60.63–72.90), 81.86 (95%CI = 75.19–88.58), 85.60 (95%CI = 78.85–92.35) and 92.40 (95%CI = 85.88–98.92) respectively, with 35–39 age group recording the highest in all years. Conclusion The incidence rate of uterine fibroids increased as the years progressed and it is mostly high in 35–39 years age category, with a decreasing annual mean age trend indicative of early diagnosis.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 65%

Age of first diagnosis and incidence rate of uterine fibroids in Ghana. A retrospective cohort study

et al. 2023

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“…The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) of the United Kingdom (UK) emphasize the importance of ensuring high-quality interpretation of ultrasound 4,5 examinations for patients. Ultrasound imaging is heavily reliant on the skills of the operator, which 2,3 require time and experience to develop.…”

Section: Figure 1 Ultrasound Machine At a Public Hospital In Zimbabwementioning

confidence: 99%

Role of Radiographers in the Provision of Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Services in Zimbabwe: Past, Present and Way Forward

Chinene,

Mutandiro,

Mushosho

et al. 2024

mjz

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Ultrasound imaging is an important tool in healthcare, used for screening, diagnosis, monitoring, and treating diseases. It works by using sound waves to generate images based on echoes reflected back from the object being examined. Advancements in ultrasound technology have made it more accessible to other healthcare professionals, resulting in its expanded application across all fields of medicine. In Zimbabwe, radiographers play a crucial role in providing ultrasound services, helping to address the shortage of radiologists, and improve patient access to quality imaging. However, there is a lack of available literature on ultrasound imaging human resources in Zimbabwe. This article reviews the historical development of ultrasound training for radiographers in Zimbabwe, highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with their expanded role in ultrasound. It also emphasizes the benefits of involving radiographers in ultrasound services, such as improved patient care, cost savings, utilization of their knowledge and skills, and enhanced job satisfaction. The paper provides recommendations for the future, including the need for clear clinical leadership, specialized ultrasound programs, and continuous professional development (CPD) activities to ensure high-quality ultrasound services in the country. The insights presented aim to inform policy decisions and promote equitable access to essential ultrasound imaging in the Zimbabwean healthcare system.

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“…Sixteen percent (16%) of ultrasonographers in Ghana are not licensed despite the existence of regulatory bodies for licensure. Despite the existence of ultrasound practice in eleven (11) out of sixteen (16) regions in the country, there is still an unfair distribution of sonographers because 70% of them are located in the Greater Accra-and Ashanti regions. 11 There has been a marked improvement in the acquisition of CT facilities in Ghana currently compared with the early 90s, while MRI equipment acquisition has witnessed only a marginal increase of 1, i/e.…”

Section: Achievements/observationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

History of Diagnostic Radiology in Ghana

Brakohiapa

Asiamah

et al. 2023

gcps

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The history of Radiology in Ghana which began in 1951 has not been fully documented. The establishment of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, of which the Faculty of Radiology is a part, the West African College of Surgeons, as well as other institutions for radiography training, have played a major role in improving the Radiologist/Population-, Radiologist/Radiographer- and Radiographer/Population ratios in the country. Credence has also been given to a number of aims and objectives of the Faculty of Radiology of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons such as a) The turning out of Radiologists for 9 out of the 16 regions of the country. b) A vast improvement in the quality and quantity of radiological services to the citizenry by the provision of modern radiological equipment, as well as increased manpower for the various diagnostic procedures. c) The establishment of subspecialties such as Interventional radiology, Neuroradiology and Paediatric radiology. The article seeks to highlight some of the major achievements and challenges in the delivery of radiological services to the citizenry of Ghana. Some of the challenges facing the specialty such as inadequate equipment in some public hospitals and the lack of maintenance of same are discussed. There is also inequitable distribution of radiologists across the country. Recommendations in the area of increased number of resident’s slots for postgraduate training by the Ministry of Health, as well as the reestablishment of external exposure for trainers to deepen their knowledge for the training of residents have been mentioned.

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Towards the scale and menace of unregulated sonography practice in Ghana

Cited by 3 publications

References 20 publications

Age of first diagnosis and incidence rate of uterine fibroids in Ghana. A retrospective cohort study

Age of first diagnosis and incidence rate of uterine fibroids in Ghana. A retrospective cohort study

Role of Radiographers in the Provision of Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Services in Zimbabwe: Past, Present and Way Forward

History of Diagnostic Radiology in Ghana

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