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Objective We sought to identify provider knowledge gaps and their predictors, as revealed by a breast density continuing education course marketed to the radiology community. Methods The course, continually available online during the study period of November 2, 2016 and December 31, 2018, includes demographics collection; a monograph on breast density, breast cancer risk, and screening; and a post-test. Four post-test questions were modified during the study period, resulting in different sample sizes pre- and postmodification. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors of knowledge gaps (defined as > 25% of responses incorrect). Results Of 1649 analyzable registrants, 1363 (82.7%) were radiologic technologists, 226 (13.7%) were physicians, and 60 (3.6%) were other nonphysicians; over 90% of physicians and over 90% of technologists/nonphysicians specialized in radiology. Sixteen of 49 physicians (32.7%) and 80/233 (34.3%) technologists/nonphysicians mistakenly thought the Gail model should be used to determine “high-risk” status for recommending MRI or genetic testing. Ninety-nine of 226 (43.8%) physicians and 682/1423 (47.9%) technologists/nonphysicians misunderstood the inverse relationship between increasing age and lifetime breast cancer risk. Fifty-two of 166 (31.3%) physicians and 549/1151 (47.7%) technologists/nonphysicians were unaware that MRI should be recommended for women with a family history of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. Tomosynthesis effectiveness was overestimated, with 18/60 (30.0%) physicians and 95/272 (34.9%) technologists/nonphysicians believing sensitivity nearly equaled MRI. Knowledge gaps were more common in technologists/nonphysicians. Conclusions Important knowledge gaps about breast density, breast cancer risk assessment, and screening exist among radiologic technologists and radiologists. Continued education efforts may improve appropriate breast cancer screening recommendations.

Background Basal cell carcinoma of the skin (BCC) is the most common cancer in populations of European ancestry. Although consistently linked with basal cell carcinoma of the skin in case-control studies, few prospective cohort studies have evaluated the shape of the exposure-response of basal cell carcinoma associated with cumulative radiant solar ultraviolet exposure (UVR). Methods We followed 63,912 white cancer-free US radiologic technologists from entry (1983–1998) to exit (2003–2005) with known ultraviolet irradiance at up to 5 residential locations. Using generalized-additive and relative risk models we analyzed the exposure-response of basal cell carcinomas associated with ambient cumulative ultraviolet radiant exposure using ground-based National Solar Radiation database Average Daily Total Global data and satellite-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer data. Results There were 2151 technologists with an incident primary basal cell carcinoma. Risk of basal cell carcinoma rose with increasing cumulative ultraviolet radiation exposure using both measures, such that 1 MJ cm− 2 increased basal cell carcinoma risk by 8.48 (95% CI 5.22, 11.09, p p Conclusions We observed increases in risk of basal cell carcinoma and a similar exposure-response for ground-based and satellite ultraviolet radiation measures. Our observations suggest that interventions should concentrate on persons with higher levels of ultraviolet radiation exposure.

ObjectiveWe aimed to explore the patient-centred outcomes (PCOs) radiologists and radiologic technologists perceive to be important to patients undergoing imaging procedures.DesignWe conducted a qualitative study of individual semi-structured interviews.ParticipantsWe recruited multiple types of radiologists including general, musculoskeletal neuroradiology, body and breast imagers as well as X-ray, ultrasound, CT or MRI radiologic technologists from Washington and Idaho.OutcomeThematic analysis was conducted to identify themes and subthemes related to PCOs of imaging procedures.ResultsTen radiologists and six radiology technologists participated. Four main domains of PCOs were identified: emotions, physical factors, knowledge and patient burden. In addition to these outcomes, we also identified patient and provider factors that can potentially moderate these outcomes.ConclusionsRadiologists and technologists perceived outcomes related to the effect of imaging procedures on patients’ emotions, physical well-being, knowledge and burden from financial and opportunity costs to be important to patients undergoing imaging procedures. There are opportunities for the radiology community to measure and use these PCOs in comparisons of imaging procedures and potentially identify areas where these outcomes can be leveraged to drive a more patient-centred approach to radiology.

Highlights • Chest CT imaging has become an important tool in the diagnosis of COVID-19. • The involved radiologic technologists become high-risk medical care personnel. • We share systematic strategies for radiologic technologists against COVID-19. • It can provide guidance to other radiology departments to reduce infection risk., The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a huge threat to global public health security. In the absence of specific antiviral medicines to prevent or treat COVID-19, it is essential to detect the infected patients at an early stage and immediately isolate them from the healthy population. In view of the advantages of sensitivity and high spatial resolution, CT imaging has played an important role in screening and diagnosing of COVID-19 in China. The radiologic technologists performing CT scans for the infected patients become high-risk medical care personnel. It is critical for the radiology department to ensure the personal safety of radiologic technologists and avoid cross-infection. In this review article, we describe the systematic strategies to combat COVID-19 from the radiology department in Tongji hospital in Wuhan, P.R. China, including personnel arrangements, environmental modification, protection levels and configurations, radiological imaging (CT and radiography), and disinfection methods. It can provide guidance to other radiology departments faced with COVID-19 to reduce infection risk for radiologic technologists.

Background: Currently, nine universities and one junior college offer radiologic technologist (RT) programs (RTPs) in Taiwan. The curriculum, certificate examination, and licensing of RTs in RTPs in Taiwan are similar to those for RTPs in Japan and Korea. The present study explored the supply of and demand for RTs over the past 20 years and identified predictive indicators of trends affecting the numbers of RTs supplied and demanded.Methods: The present study involved web-based research. The analyzed data were publicly available information downloaded from the websites of relevant statistical departments in Taiwan. The study employed specific medical devices or examinations used in hospitals to determine the demand for RTs. Long-term (1999–2018) and short-term (2014–2018) trends were analyzed. The change rates were calculated using compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Pearson’s product–moment correlation coefficient or Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate two groups of continuous variables. Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests were used to test normally distributed data.Results: During 1999–2018, the annual numbers of students and graduates in RTPs were 2654 ± 350 and 516 ± 109, respectively, with corresponding CAGRs of 2.2% and 3.7%. During 2014–2018, the annual numbers of students and graduates in the RTPs were 2908 ± 67 and 605 ± 55, respectively, with corresponding CAGRs of −0.7% and 2.4%. During 1999–2018, the annual numbers of examinees and qualified personnel were 1228 ± 174 and 372 ± 62, respectively. The CAGRs for the number of qualified personnel were −1.5% and −4.7% during 1999–2018 and 2014–2018, respectively. The number of specific medical devices increased from 599 in 2000 to 1057 in 2018, whereas that of specific medical examinations increased from 1.7 million in 2000 to 5.3 million in 2018.Conclusion: During 2014–2018, 605 students graduated from RTPs annually, with approximately 375 annually becoming qualified personnel in Taiwan. The increase in the numbers of specific medical devices and examinations resulted in an annual increase of 204 new positions for RTs.

Introduction: Although radiologic technologists have many responsibilities in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, the most important responsibility is to perform invasive cardiac surgery using radiological equipment in a safe manner, both for staff and for the patient. Very often, in addition to working with radiological equipment, radiologic technologists must have specific knowledge of specific interventional procedures in invasive. In order to monitor the complexity of today’s procedures and actively participate in an invasive team, ongoing and specific education is essential. The job of a radiologic technologist in the cardiology intervention room consists of a series of tasks such as: knowledge of the complexity of radiation protection, knowledge of heart anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics and all the technical capabilities of devices used in invasive cardiac methods. At the catheterization laboratory, radiologic technologists participate in preparing the patient for the procedure, which includes checking patient data, taking anamnestic data related to the procedure, placing the patient on the table, monitoring vital functions, etc.1 The paper presents the experience of University Hospital Center „Sestre milosrdnice“, whereby after the establishment of the Clinic for Cardiovascular Diseases, the team settings at the Department of Invasive and Interventional Cardiology were changed. In earlier periods, practically from the moment the laboratory started with work, the radiological device was operated traditionally and habitually, but also due to a lack of staff, by invasive cardiologists and/ or perioperative nurses. Goal: To compare radiation exposure before and after changes in team settings, and to determine the immediate impact of the work of radiologic technologists in the invasive cardiology laboratory. Conclusion: Radiologic technologists who directly control radiological equipment and accurately follow the instructions of the operator (interventional cardiologist), by standardizing procedures, can significantly affect the safety of the patient and team in the invasive laboratory.

Noninvasive imaging tools have been the standard in mummy studies for several decades focusing primarily on CT scan technology. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been attempted on mummified tissues on numerous occasions these have met with varying degrees of success. The basic physics of MRI are reviewed here with an emphasis on how the physics limit the success of MRI in mummified tissues. Adjusting MRI parameters can enhance the images produced with a summary table that considers the effect of adjustments within these parameters. Several mummies with varying methods of preservation have been included in this study and MRI images presented and the results are critically assessed. MRI can generate basic images in most tissues even when significantly desiccated. Using an understanding of the essentials of MRI physics, with the adjustment of MRI parameters, the data acquisition process can be enhanced to create the best possible images. When successfully applied, MRI generated images can allow for the resolution of soft tissue differences, especially of collapsed internal organ masses, even in dehydrated mummies that are much less effectively rendered in CT scans. Anat Rec, 298:1116–1124, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Workloads of radiological technologists under different conditions of heights of radiographic table and/or X-ray tube assembly were calculated using a software for preventing musculoskeletal complaint to investigate optimal working environment for general X-ray examinations. In the patient positioning, compressive force of lumbar disc decreased at higher radiographic table within the range of 45-90 cm. On the other hand, workload of the shoulder joint increased with increase in the height of radiographic table. Load of the shoulder joint similarly increased as the height of the X-ray tube assembly increased. Compressive force of lumbar disc reduced by approximately 10-30% as the height ratio of the radiographic table to body height increased by approximately 40%, compared to the lowest table of 45 cm. Muscle load of a 50-years-old woman was approximately double compared to a 30-year-old man, even in the same workload. It is important to keep suitable height of radiographic table for reduction of the workloads of lumbar rather than shoulder joint, because floating-type radiographic table is generally used.

Received March 22, 2013, from the Institute for Pain Diagnostics and Care, Ohio Valley General Hospital, McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania USA (D.A.P.); and Center for Pain Medicine, Summa Western Reserve Hospital, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio USA (S.N.). Revision requested April 9, 2013. Revised manuscript accepted for publication May 8, 2013. We thank Heather Hoover, radiologic technologist, and Dana Dellapiazza, DO, for assistance. Address correspondence to David A. Provenzano, MD, Institute for Pain Diagnostics and Care, Ohio Valley General Hospital, 500 Pine Hollow Rd, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 USA. E-mail: davidprovenzano@hotmail.com

It is essential to predict the long-term supply and demand for the number of radiologic technologists as medical resources. However, it is difficult to predict the number of Japanese radiologic technologists due to complex and intertwining factors. Our purpose in this study was to predict the future number of radiologic technologists using the concept of system dynamics (SD), and to clarify the effects of relevant factors. In order to estimate the number of Japanese radiologic technologists, we constructed a flow diagram using the concept of SD. We simulated the number of radiologic technologists for the following 4 cases: maintaining the status quo, a change in the pass rate for the national examination, a change in the post-graduate employment rate, and a change in the rate of continuing education. The result for the predicted number of radiologic technologists was 50,509 in 20 years, which is 4,394 (9.5%) more than the present number, and 50,166 in 40 years, which is 4,051 (8.8%) more than the present number. For the factors influencing the number of technologists, the influence of the pass rate on the national examination and that of the rate for post-graduate employment was larger than that of the rate of continuing education in graduate school. The number of Japanese radiologic technologists will increase until 2033 and decrease until 2042, and it does not change after 2042 in case of maintaining the status quo. Implementing the concept of SD allowed us easily to clarify the factors influencing the predicted number of radiologic technologists.

When chemical shift selective (CHESS) imaging is used with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for simultaneous imaging of both hands for the evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis, the fat suppression effect is poor. We investigated whether these fat-suppressed images using CHESS could be improved with the use of rice pads. T1-weighted images were obtained with CHESS and the same imaging parameters were used with and without rice pads on the coronal plane of both hands in 10 healthy volunteers. Patients were placed in a prone position with both hands extended overhead. The fat-suppression effect was classified into four categories and scored for both sets of images, and visual assessments were made by one radiologist and one radiologic technologist. The evaluation score was 1.1 for the images made without rice pads, and 3.2 for the images made with rice pads. The fat suppression effect was thus significantly better in the images made using rice pads (P < 0.0001). Lingering fat signals disappeared almost completely in images of both hands using CHESS with rice pads, and it was confirmed that the images were improved and had good fat suppression. More accurate evaluation of inflammatory sites that occur in rheumatoid arthritis may thus be possible, promising better diagnostic accuracy.

현행 실기시험의 형태가 실기능력 평가'라는 제 기능을 해내지 못함으로써 방사선사 면허시험에 합격하여도 임상적응(training) 과정을 이수해야 하는 모순이 발생되고 있다. 본 연구는 이러한 단점을 개선하기 위하여 현행 방사선사 실기시험제도 도입이 타당한지, 개선점은 무엇인지를 분석하여 가장 합리적인 개선 방안...

Recently, the importance of medical information for radiologic technologists has increased. The purpose of this questionnaire survey was to clarify the method of acquiring skill in medical information for radiologic technologists from the point of view of the managers of radiology departments. The questionnaire was sent to 260 hospitals that had introduced picture archiving and communication systems (PACSs) for the person responsible for medical information in the radiology department. The response rate was 35.4% (92 hospitals). The results of this survey clarified that few hospital have staff for medical information in the radiology department. Nevertheless, the excellent staff who have the skills to troubleshoot and develop systems are earnestly needed in radiology departments. To solve this problem, many technologists should understand the content, work load, and necessity of medical information. In addition, cooperation between radiologic technologist schools and hospitals is important in the field of medical information education.

It is recommended that the door of control room is closed during radiography to protect a radiologic technologist. However, for those patients such as of emergency or pediatrics, the door must be kept open unavoidably to apply immediate medical administration and treatment on the potential case of emergency which could be happened through the course of radiography. In addition, it could be efficient by reducing patients waiting time when the door is open for a general case. This study was conducted to evaluate practical exposure rate to a radiologic technologist when the door is open during the radiography, and to find out the ways to minimize radiation exposure and to increase the efficiency simultaneously. Measuring practical exposure rate was fulfilled with glass dosimeter, and it was 2.02 mGy/week at the location of radiologic technologist under the condition that the door is open during the radiography, which was about 2.3 times higher than the 100 mR/week. It means that the considerable amount of scattered rays through the door opening, and increase exposure rate at the radiologic technologist. Hence we confirmed that a radiologic technologist probably overexposed if the door is open during the radiography. It was also confirmed by the Monte Carlo simulation that the exposure rate could be reduced up to approximately 1/100 by change only the door opening direction. In conclusion, since the proper door opening direction provides same shielding effect whether it is open or close, the door opening direction need to be considered when it is installed at radiography facilities.

The aim of this study was to describe characteristics and trends of radiologic technologist (RT) malpractice payments.National Practitioner Data Bank data files were analyzed for details of RT malpractice payments from 1991 through 2008. Payment amounts, sources, and allegations were all identified and summarized, along with geographic and demographic data.Between 1991 and 2008, a total of 155 RT malpractice payments were reported nationally, ranging from $750 to $11.5 million (median, $57,500; mean, $293,655 +/- $1,305,091), with 153 (99%)$1 million. Adjusting for outliers and inflation, payments changed little over the 18-year interval. More than half of all cases originated in 8 states, with per capita payments most common in Louisiana and New Jersey. Alleged errors in diagnosis accounted for one third of all cases.Malpractice payments on behalf of RTs are very infrequent (on average,9 nationally each year) and usually relatively small (almost half$50,000). Frequency and mean adjusted payment have remained stable over nearly two decades, likely related in part to "deep pocket" shielding by hospitals and radiologists.

Background: With the chemical shift selective (CHESS) method, lingering fat signals remain because of the effects of nonuniformity in the magnetic field. One method to reduce this phenomenon is the use of pads filled with rice (rice pad), but the improvement in fat suppression effects with rice pads, as compared with conventional perfluorocarbon liquid pads, remains unclear. Purpose: To investigate whether rice pads are superior to perfluorocarbon liquid pads in improving fat suppression effects in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the knee. Material and Methods: Subjects were 10 healthy volunteers (5 men, 5 women; aged 20–45 years), from whom images taken using the CHESS methods were collected. Two images were taken for each subject; one with a rice pad placed under the knee and the knee flexed, and the other with a perfluorocarbon liquid pad placed under the knee and the knee flexed. Images were visually assessed by one radiologist and one radiologic technologist. Kendall's W and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for statistical comparisons. Results: Of the 20 evaluations made by the 2 observers, scores for images obtained with the rice pad were higher than those with the perfluorocarbon liquid pad in 18 cases, while the scores were equal in 2 cases. Images with the rice pad were not inferior in any cases. The mean score for visual assessment was 4.65 for the rice pad and 3.0 for the perfluorocarbon liquid pad. The rice pad was thus confirmed to be superior to the perfluorocarbon liquid pad ( P=0.0039). Conclusion: The rice pad exhibited better performance in improving the fat suppression effect. Thus, the rice pad is a superior product that is inexpensive and simple to use.

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of rice pads for improving nonuniform fat suppression in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck, shoulder, and elbow using the chemical shift selective (CHESS) technique. Materials and Methods: CHESS imaging of the neck, shoulder, and elbow was performed on 10 healthy volunteers with and without the use of rice pads. Images were visually assessed by one radiologist and one radiologic technologist using a four-point scale. Results were compared using Wilcoxon's signed rank sum test. Results: Images with and without rice pads were rated 3.9 and 1.5 for the neck (P = 0.002), 3.85 and 2.5 for the shoulder (P = 0.002), and 3.4 and 2.45 for the elbow (P = 0.004). Conclusion: Fat-suppressed images obtained using the CHESS technique were significantly improved by rice pads for the neck, shoulder, and elbow, indicating that image deterioration with CHESS caused by magnetic field nonuniformity can be improved by rice pads in all body areas. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1504–1507. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Every country in the world has the obligatory program: Continuing Medical Education with the aim of maintaining a high standard of professionalism, that is in step with the times. The motivations, expectations and satisfaction that characterize, both the relational and the cognitive plan and the participation of Sanitary Technicians of Medical Radiology training CME courses, are the subjects of this study that involved 100 Radiology technicians. The results highlight areas of satisfaction and give valuable suggestions on how to plan future courses with the highest level of effectiveness.

Purpose To determine whether radiation therapists (RTT) can correctly identify field placement errors and recommend appropriate isocentre moves using electronic portal imaging. Methods A systematic review of the literature was made using the keywords: “radiation therapy OR radiotherapy AND electronic portal imaging”; radiation therapist OR radiographer OR radiologic technologist AND electronic portal imaging”; “electronic portal imaging”; “verification AND electronic portal imaging”; “verification AND radiation therapist”; “verification films”; “image approval”; “radiation therapist AND role expansion”; and “radiation therapist experience”. Results Eighteen relevant articles were found. These were collated into three topic areas: 1) current practice, 2) ability to assess EPIs, and 3) experience/education needed. It is common practice for RTTs to review EPIs in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Education is carried out in the clinic. Concordance between RTTs and radiation oncologists (ROs) in error detection and iso-move decisions was between 90.1% and 97.3%. RTT inter-observer variability was 0.7–1.4 mm and intra-observer variability was 0.4–0.7 mm. Conclusions RTTs provide acceptable alternatives to ROs for rapid review of EPIs, enabling prompt corrections to be made with the patient on the treatment couch. It is recommended that RTTs take on this role, using an internal accrediting program and ongoing continual professional education.

There is a great deal of merit in CR system but artifact not produced in old system of film or screen newly is created. we studied 3 cases of artifact with CR system in one hospital, Gwangju. In the first case of the delay time and density, As the time was delayed, the density of the artifact was increased up to 67 percent in the natural radiation. The Second, Fading of the artifact decreased 33 percent in the rate of the emission after 10 hours, and the more the time was delayed, the less the quality of image was deteriorated. Third, Artifact was produced by the collimation when the radiologic technologist was performed, and by the Guiding plate and Suction cup when the radiation equipment was done. Therefore, when health care provider have to understand the artifact exactly and check regularly, the quality of the picture and the satisfaction of the medical examination is increased.

As we recognize the health care, test of BMD is increased. There are various methods in BMD, Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) which has high precision and accuracy, and low medical exposure dose has been widely used. To measure the changes of BMD, the test must be done as same posture at first and follow up study performed a year. we analyze the difference in the hour taken before and after the examination by radiologic technologist, frequency of scout scan, and the amount of the radiation exposure. The hour of the examination and frequency of the scout scan were shorten and the dose of the radiation exposure is reduced. As the numerical value of total subjects is converted into that of one person, the duration for the test was 52 seconds, the frequency for the scout scan 0.79 time, and the dose for the radiation exposure . When the health care provider perform the precise and easy methods to minimize changes of posture and the skillful ability to manage the test, useless radiation is decreased.

he OR team must work together to ensure a successful patient outcome. Radiologic technoloTgists (RTs) who are part of the OR team perform medical imaging procedures such as radiography and fluoroscopy in the OR and are responsible for equipment operation and radiation safety within the OR. In addition, they frequently provide radiation education to team members. In this article, we describe the roles of RTs in the OR and radiation safety procedures in the perioperative setting.

Since 2003 the radiologist assistant (RA) was introduced in response to the severe shortage of radiologists and the increased demand for medical imaging services. Other non-physician clinicians, such as PAs, currently play an important role in the medical imaging environment. The article discusses the reasons physician assistants have found favor with interventional radiologists, and advocates an increased role for physician extenders in Radiology. It refutes the skeptics who question whether the new profession will alleviate the manpower crisis in Radiology. The authors suggest that RAs are the ideal complement to radiologists; and based on their radiologic technology background, have a vested interest in the field.

In 2007, New York State Public Health Law was revised to expand the scope of practice of radiologic technologists (RTs) to allow venipuncture, the administration of radiologic pharmaceuticals and contrast media, and the performance of venipuncture for that purpose. This article describes the development and implementation of a program to educate RTs in venipuncture and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a large health system that included several tertiary hospitals community hospitals and an outpatient radiology center.

To evaluate the effects of medical radiologic technologist review of mammograms in a population-based breast cancer screening program.A technologist review pilot project was incorporated into the Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, reading center. Technologists received special training in mammographic interpretation. They reviewed all 27,863 mammograms obtained at the center from July 1995 to September 1996 that were reviewed by a radiologist and selected cases for second blind reading by another radiologist. When the two radiologists' readings were in agreement, the report was sent. When the readings differed, a third opinion was obtained from the program's consulting radiologist. Changes in the number of mammograms interpreted as abnormal and the number of cancers detected were assessed.The technologist review was responsible for the detection of nine cancers missed at the first radiologist's interpretation. Technologists were very discriminating; only 391 cases (1.4%) were sent for double reading. The positive predictive value of screening did not change significantly (7.5% without review, 8.1% with review; P.20).A substantial number of cancers were found with the technologist review. The number of mammograms interpreted as abnormal was reduced slightly. The technologist review proved to be a cost-effective alternative to double reading by two radiologists.

To assess possible changes in quality control (QC) practices at mammography sites in the United States.Mammography site surveys were conducted in 1990, 1992, and 1995 through the Colorado Mammography Advocacy Project (CMAP). Data from mammography sites applying for American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation were collected between August 1987 and August 1993 through the ACR Mammography Accreditation Program. Data from both of these surveys were analyzed to assess temporal changes in mammography QC practices in the United States between 1987 and 1995.CMAP results indicated statistically significant improvement in medical physicist QC practices between 1990 and 1992 and in technologist QC practices between 1990 and 1995. Improvements in radiologic technologist QC practices coincided with increases in radiologic technologist continuing education in mammography. ACR results indicated statistically significant improvement in technologist QC practices between 1988 and 1992.There have been substantial improvements in QC practices at mammography sites in the United States during the past decade.

To determine the effectiveness of a radiation awareness program in reducing the radiation exposure to patients treated by a Medstone lithotripter, the exposure was calculated at the end of each extracorporeal shockwave (SWL) treatment using a table of measurements of the estimated entrance exposure rates 70 cm from the X-ray tube port. The results, related to stone size and patient weight, were distributed every month to each radiologic technologist, and a summary was sent regularly to the treating urologists. The doses before and after the introduction of the radiation awareness program were compared to determine the effectiveness of the program, and the chi-square test was used to determine statistical significance. The average calculated radiation exposure before and after introduction of the radiation awareness program was 16.39 rad and 8.26 rad, respectively, for patients with single renal stones; 17.31 rad and 9.02 rad, respectively, with single ureteral stones; 18.45 rad and 9.39 rad, respectively, with multiple renal stones; and 20.59 rad and 11.28 rad, respectively with multiple ureteral stones. These reductions in calculated radiation exposure were statistically significant only with multiple ureteral stones (P = 0.03). The only statistically significant differences in the stone-free rates, retreatment rates, and post-SWL secondary procedure rates before and after the introduction of the radiation awareness program were seen in the stone-free rates with single renal stones: 70% v 65%, respectively (P = 0.02); in the retreatment rates with single ureteral stones: 10% v 6%, respectively ( P.01); and in the post-SWL secondary procedure rates with single renal stones: 4% v 2%, respectively (P = 0.01), and single ureteral stones: 7% v 4%, respectively (P = 0.05). The radiation awareness program resulted in a 51% reduction in the estimated radiation exposure to patients during SWL using Medstone lithotripters.

Progress of human social awareness depends on man’s ability to communicate with one another. In a hospital setting, whose primary concern is life, wherein some factors may cause a patient’s anxiety and fear. Health personnel therefore, should take time to give comfort to patient, find greater personal satisfaction in work, and quality of care. The study was conducted in radiologic facilities of Cagayan de Oro City involving radiologic technologists and trauma patients brought to the clinics. The study used sampling procedure in a form of the questionnaire and interview to gather imperative data’ both quantitative and qualitative. Pertinent data gathered from the respondents were tabulated to simplify and organize the results. Surveys and interviews conducted and researchers’ profound data analysis resulted to the following findings: The extent of the trauma patient satisfaction on radiographer’s management based on standard operational procedures in x-ray facilities. Patients were found to be satisfied with the clinical operating procedure in terms of positioning, protection, communication, instruction, waiting time and patient care, except for application of gonadal and thyroid shield, self-introduction of radiographers, patient information on the procedure to be done, care to be administered and time to answer patient questions should be given attention for improvement of services. KEYWORDS - Patients care, Positioning, Communication, Patient’s satisfaction, Radiologic Technologist and X-ray Technologists.

Purpose: To determine if the flipped class format has an effect on examination results for a radiologic technologist (RT) program and discuss benefits from creating video resources. Methods: From 2001–2015, students had taken both a radiological physics and quality control (QC) class as a part of their didactic training. In 2005/2006, the creation of videos of didactic lectures and QC test demonstrations allowed for a flip where content was studied at home while exercises and reviews were done in-class. Final examinations were retrospectively reviewed from this timeframe. 12 multiple choice physics questions (MCP) and 5 short answer QC questions (SAQC) were common to pre and post flip exams. The RT program's ARRT exam scores were also obtained and compared to national averages. Results: In total, 36 lecture videos and 65 quality control videos were created for the flipped content. Data was ∼2.4GB and distributed to students via USB or CD media. For MCP questions, scores improved by 7.9% with the flipped format and significance (Student's t-test, p

Objectives To investigate whether rice pads can eliminate lingering fat signals of the complex surface shape of both hands that occur with chemical shift selective (CHESS) at 1.5 T and 3.0 T. Materials and methods T1-weighted images were obtained with CHESS using 1.5 T and 3.0 T systems. The same imaging parameters were used with and without rice pads on the coronal plane of both hands in 10 healthy volunteers. The fat-suppression effects were classified into four categories and scored for images, and visual evaluations were performed by one radiologist and one radiologic technologist. Results At 1.5 T, the mean evaluation score was 1.55 for images obtained without rice pads and 3.50 for images obtained with rice pads. At 3.0 T, the mean evaluation score was 1.10 for images obtained without rice pads and 3.20 for images obtained with rice pads. With both systems, images obtained with the rice pads showed significantly better fat suppression effects than images obtained without rice pads (P Conclusions It was confirmed that lingering fat signals are eliminated and good fat-suppressed images are obtained with the use of rice pads at 1.5 T and 3.0 T. Rice pads are therefore useful with at 1.5 T and 3.0 T, which are currently becoming more widely used.

In Japan, radiologists and radiologic technologists are endeavoring to improve the quality of lung CT screening. In particular, preliminary screening by radiologic technologists is expected to decrease radiologists’ burden and improve the accuracy of CT screening. We considered that an application of computer-aided detection (CAD) would also be as useful in preliminary screening as in the radiologist’s regular reading. Our purpose in this study was to investigate the potential of the application of CAD to preliminary screening. CAD software that we developed was applied to 17 lung CT scans that radiologic technologists had pre-interpreted. A radiologist recognized 29 lung nodules from the CT images, whereas radiologic technologists did not recognize 11 of the 29 nodules at their pre-reading. Our CAD software detected lung nodules at an accuracy of 100% (29/29), with 4.1 false positives per case. The 11 nodules that radiologic technologists did not recognize were included in the CAD-detected nodules. This result suggests that the application of CAD may aid radiologic technologists in their preliminary screening.

We are developing a mammographic ontology to share knowledge of the mammographic domain for radiologic technologists, with the aim of improving mammographic techniques. As a first step in constructing the ontology, we used mammography reference books to establish mammographic terminology for identifying currently available knowledge. This study proceeded in three steps: (1) determination of the domain and scope of the terminology, (2) lexical extraction, and (3) construction of hierarchical structures. We extracted terms mainly from three reference books and constructed the hierarchical structures manually. We compared features of the terms extracted from the three reference books. We constructed a terminology consisting of 440 subclasses grouped into 19 top-level classes: anatomic entity, image quality factor, findings, material, risk, breast, histological classification of breast tumors, role, foreign body, mammographic technique, physics, purpose of mammography examination, explanation of mammography examination, image development, abbreviation, quality control, equipment, interpretation, and evaluation of clinical imaging. The number of terms that occurred in the subclasses varied depending on which reference book was used. We developed a terminology of mammographic techniques for radiologic technologists consisting of 440 terms.

Participation in screening mammography is currently desired in Japan because of the increase in breast cancer morbidity. However, the pain and discomfort of mammography is recognized as a significant deterrent for women considering this examination. Thus quick procedures, sufficient experience, and advanced skills are required for radiologic technologists. The aim of this study was to make the point of imaging techniques explicit and to help understand the complicated procedure. We interviewed 3 technologists who were highly skilled in mammography, and 14 factors were retrieved by using brainstorming and the KJ method. We then applied Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to the factors and developed a hierarchical concept structure. The result showed a six-layer hierarchy whose top node was explanation of the entire procedure on mammography. Male technologists were related to as a negative factor. Factors concerned with explanation were at the upper node. We gave attention to X-ray techniques and considerations. The findings will help beginners improve their skills.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the agreement between contemporaneously recorded and subsequently recalled time spent outdoors during 1 week among members of an occupational cohort.One hundred twenty-five radiologic technologists from northern and southern geographic areas in the United States recorded time spent outdoors for 7 consecutive days in a daily diary. Six months later, study participants completed a mailed self-administered questionnaire of the number of outdoor hours during the same 7-day period. We tested the agreement between questionnaire responses and diary entries. Logistic regression models were used to identify variables significantly affecting agreement.Time spent outdoors comprised one fifth of the total time recorded in the diaries. Agreement (weighted kappa [kappa(w)]) between reported outdoor time during weekdays (kappa(w) = 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.59) was significantly (p0.05) higher than for weekends (kappa(w) = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.12-0.34). Similarly, agreement was lower for weekends compared with weekdays in multivariate analyses, reaching statistical significance (p = 0.05) in only the southern regions.Although our investigation was carried out among volunteers from the US radiologic technologist cohort, we believe retrospective questionnaires may be more accurate in reporting time spent outdoors for weekdays compared with weekends in any group of indoor workers. These differences have implications for the wording in future questionnaires about time spent outdoors and level and sources of uncertainty characterizing estimated time spent outdoors on weekdays versus weekend days.

The utilization of positron emission tomography (PET) is increasing and its major impact at this time is on the management of oncology patients. The utilization of PET scans in oncologic patients is benefiting only a small percentage of patients who could benefit from having a PET scan. Since the initial coverage of lung cancer indications by Medicare in January 1998, several cancers are now covered by Medicare and other third-party payers. The delay in utilization relates to several factors: lack of knowledge about PET by referring physicians; lack of knowledge about PET by patients; limited number of PET scanners available; and limited number of physicians trained to read PET scans. With the recent introduction of combined PET and computed tomography (CT) devices, additional complexity in performing and interpreting PET scans is introduced. Now we have the decision to make concerning the technologist who performs the study, i.e., is it a radiologic technologist, a nuclear medicine technologist, or both, and the physician interpreting the study, i.e., is it a diagnostic radiologist alone or a nuclear medicine physician interpreting the PET scan and a diagnostic radiologist interpreting the CT scan?

As medical reimbursements continue to decline, increasing financial pressures are placed upon medical imaging providers. This burden is exacerbated by the existing radiologic technologist (RT) crisis, which has caused RT salaries to trend upward. One strategy to address these trends is employing technology to improve technologist productivity. While industry-wide RT productivity benchmarks have been established for film-based operation, little to date has been published in the medical literature regarding similar productivity measures for filmless operation using PACS. This study was undertaken to document the complex relationship between technologist productivity and implementation of digital radiography and digital information technologies, including PACS and hospital/radiology information systems (HIS/RIS). A nationwide survey was conducted with 112 participating institutions, in varying degrees of digital technology implementation. Technologist productivity was defined as the number of annual exams performed per technologist full-time equivalent (FTE). Productivity analyses were performed among the different demographic and technology profile groups, with a focus on general radiography, which accounts for 65-70% of imaging department volumes. When evaluating the relationship between technologist productivity and digital technology implementation, improved productivity measures were observed for institutions implementing HIS/RIS, modality worklist, and PACS. The timing of PACS implementation was found to have a significant effect on technologist productivity measures, with an initial 10.8% drop in productivity during the first year of PACS implementation, followed by a 27.8% increase in productivity beyond year one. This suggests there is a "PACS learning curve" phenomenon, which should be considered when institutions are planning for PACS implementation.

Legislation on mammography in the United States has taken two forms: legislation on reimbursement for mammography and legislation on the quality of mammography. Legislation has been passed federally and in most states on these two issues (Fintor et al. 1995; McKinney et al. 1992).

1453 the need for more “how I do it” articles. This information stimulated the concept of online video education to address techniques and practice issues requested by the readers. Therefore, beginning with the September Musculoskeletal Imaging highlight issue, we will test “how I do it” videos. The first series of videos focuses on musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations. This is another example of our continued efforts to provide lifelong learning for our readers. The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) meeting was held in Boston this April. Each spring the meeting provides numerous opportunities for CME and SAMs for our members and guests. The ARRS also provides a Lifelong Learning Center on its Website (www.arrs.org). A long menu of choices is provided, including meetings and symposia, Web lectures, CME articles, SAMs, and CME for radiologic technologists through the CERT (Continuing Education for Radiologic Technologist) program. Another opportunity is on the horizon and, by now, may have been completed. The American Roentgen Ray Society is joining hands with the American College of Radiology. Together we will have improved infrastructure and opportunity to refocus our education efforts to meet the increasing educational demands of the scientific community. We know our readership expects the best from AJR and AJR II. We will continue to review and refocus our education efforts to meet the needs of our specialty, our patients, and the public. New products and delivery mechanisms must be explored to provide the unique education, research, and practicerelated tools required to optimize lifelong learning. Send us your comments and ideas. Thomas H. Berquist Editor in Chief Berquist.Thomas@mayo.edu DOI:10.2214/AJR.09.2900

The use of radiofrequency or microwave induced hyperthermia for the treatment of cancer is still a very new, challenging field. Although much has been learned in the past few years about the use of this modality through clinical trial and error, formal training for physicians and paramedical personnel is very limited. This paper looks at the role of paramedical personnel in the clinic and offers suggestions of formal training regimens to prepare personnel to render safe, effective treatment under the direction of the attending physician.

This paper illustrates the probability of indicating presence of eighth nerve tumors with conventional radiographic equipment found in any approved hospital. A knowledge of precise radiographic technique by both the radiologic technologist and the radiologist, as well as a detailed understanding of the basic anatomy, is required. It is essential that the sharpest possible collimation of the x-ray beam be made by using a 5- to 7.6-cm diameter heavy cylinder at 91.4-to 101.6-cm distances without a Bucky diaphragm. By this means it is possible to demonstrate the intimate details required for diagnosis of lesions of the petrous pyramid and the eighth nerve canal. The presentation includes three proven cases to indicate how approximately 90% accuracy can be achieved by this method.

A report from a conjoint committee of the American College of Radiology and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists indicates that sufficient personnel are being educated for the profession. It is estimated that there are 130,000 persons operating radiographic equipment of which 100,000 are licensed or certified. On the average, a radiologic technologist performs 2,597 examinations per year. Manpower needs are highest in the South, South-west and Plains regions, with an excess in the West and Northeast. Most registered technologists who leave the profession do so for personal reasons, such as family commitments.