A pilot study to determine the effect of radiographer training on radiostereometric analysis imaging technique

TY - JOUR

T1 - A pilot study to determine the effect of radiographer training on radiostereometric analysis imaging technique

AU - Muharemovic, O

AU - Troelsen, A

AU - Thomsen, M G

AU - Kallemose, T

AU - Gosvig, K K

N1 - Copyright © 2017 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PY - 2018/5

Y1 - 2018/5

N2 - Introduction: Producing x-ray images for radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is a demanding technique. Suboptimal examinations result in a high percentage of exposure repetition. The aim of this pilot study was to use an experiential training approach to sharpen the skills of radiographers in acquiring images of an optimal quality. Methods: A controlled trial using action research strategy was used. The study entailed a two phased approach. Radiographers were purposefully recruited and trained to perform the required investigations. Each phase included 12 examinations of a total knee arthroplasty phantom followed by 10 patient examinations. The quality of all x-ray images performed during the two phases was characterized by measuring the number of visible beads, the center position of the prosthesis (CP) compared to the center of calibration field (CCF). The number of re-exposures used to obtain a usable image during patient examinations was also recorded. Results: The radiographers undergoing the training resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of images produced and visualization of the beads. That is, the ability to move the CP on average 36.1 mm closer to the CCF (p < 0.001), the number of visible beads increased by 3.1 (p < 0.001) and radiographers needed 2.1–2.9 exposures less to obtain RSA images of sufficient qualities during patient examinations in phase 2 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study illustrates the value of experiential method of teaching and learning with minimal compromise on patient safety but a significant contribution in terms of establishing quality of RSA images.

AB - Introduction: Producing x-ray images for radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is a demanding technique. Suboptimal examinations result in a high percentage of exposure repetition. The aim of this pilot study was to use an experiential training approach to sharpen the skills of radiographers in acquiring images of an optimal quality. Methods: A controlled trial using action research strategy was used. The study entailed a two phased approach. Radiographers were purposefully recruited and trained to perform the required investigations. Each phase included 12 examinations of a total knee arthroplasty phantom followed by 10 patient examinations. The quality of all x-ray images performed during the two phases was characterized by measuring the number of visible beads, the center position of the prosthesis (CP) compared to the center of calibration field (CCF). The number of re-exposures used to obtain a usable image during patient examinations was also recorded. Results: The radiographers undergoing the training resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of images produced and visualization of the beads. That is, the ability to move the CP on average 36.1 mm closer to the CCF (p < 0.001), the number of visible beads increased by 3.1 (p < 0.001) and radiographers needed 2.1–2.9 exposures less to obtain RSA images of sufficient qualities during patient examinations in phase 2 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study illustrates the value of experiential method of teaching and learning with minimal compromise on patient safety but a significant contribution in terms of establishing quality of RSA images.

KW - Allied Health Personnel/education

KW - Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee

KW - Calibration

KW - Clinical Competence

KW - Health Services Research

KW - Humans

KW - Phantoms, Imaging

KW - Pilot Projects

KW - Radiation Dosage

KW - Radiostereometric Analysis/standards

KW - Technology, Radiologic/education

U2 - 10.1016/j.radi.2017.12.003

DO - 10.1016/j.radi.2017.12.003

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 29605123

SN - 1078-8174

VL - 24

SP - e37-e43

JO - Radiography

JF - Radiography

IS - 2

ER -