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ISRRT | Book Of Abstracts

50 reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.87. The RCS is a short, easy to administer scale for capturing radiographers’ competence levels and the frequency of using their competence. The scale was found to be valid and reliable. 16.11. Lesion detection performance in an anthropomorphic chest phantom: comparative analysis of low-dose CT data on two hybrid imaging systems. Presenter: Maryam Jessop, Brighton Sussex County Hospital, UK Authors: Jessop M, Thompson JD, Sil J, Sanderud A, Jorge J, Groot M de, Lança L, Hogg P. Introduction: Incidental findings, in low-dose CT images obtained during hybrid imaging, are an increasing phenomenon. Understanding technical limitations is important when reporting these images and recommending follow-up which could lead to increased radiation burden and anxiety for the patient. Using an anthropomorphic chest phantom, this study assessed lesion detection in low-dose CT images obtained during attenuation correction acquisitions for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), on two hybrid SPECT/CT systems (GE Infinia Hawkeye 4 and Siemens Symbia T6). Comparative analysis was facilitated by the jackknife alternative freeresponse receiver operating characteristic (JAFROC) method. This phantom based study gives an indication of lesion detection on the imaging systems used and inferred reliability in the clinical context. Methods: Simulated lesions within the phantom were imaged with lowdose CT settings used in MPI. Image evaluations were carried out by 22 observers assessing 46 images (15 normal, 31 abnormal containing 41 lesions) from each SPECT/CT system. Results: JAFROC analysis showed a significant difference (p<0.0001) in lesion detection performance with figures of merit 0.599 (95% CI 0.568, 0.631) for Infinia Hawkeye 4 and 0.810 (95% CI 0.781, 0.839) for Siemens Symbia T6. Lesion detection on the Infinia Hawkeye 4 was limited to larger, higher density lesions. The Siemens Symbia T6 detected mid-sized and some lower density lesions. Lesion detection is more reliable in low-dose CT images from the Symbia T6 than those from the Infinia Hawkeye 4. 16.12. Communicative activity in radiographers: an exploratory study Presenter: José Jorge, Haute École de Santé Vaud, HES-SO, Switzerland Author: Scheller L. Introduction: This communication is based on an exploratory study focused in the understanding of radiographers communicative and reflective competencies required besides the technical mastery of radiological tools. More precisely, the study explores the complexity of their relational posture, the opposition between technical rigour and patient’s comfort and the taking of risks motivated by a preoccupation with a beautiful product above the pressure for efficacy. The participants were 7 volunteers’ radiographers which 3 of them work in nuclear medicine, 2 in radiotherapy and 3 in radiology departments of a Swiss hospital. Methods: The study implemented the method of simple and crossed selfconfrontation to the video record of the tasks performs by the volunteers’ radiographers in order to realize a co-analysis of the profession in the medical radiology departments Results: The true contribution of this study is to have shown the utility of professional discussions for better adaptation to professional changes, dilemmas imposed by the activity, and difficulties related to the evolution of technological tools. Also, it constitutes an incentive for the development of linguistic exchanges with patients, imposed on radiographers by the evolution of radiological performance, as testified in real-time by the first results obtained with these tools. 17. SONOGRAPHY 17.1. Abdominal ultrasound referred by the Emergency department – Can sonographer findings help guide effective patient management? Presenter: Michal Schneider, Monash University Australia Authors: Michal E Schneider, Justin Bloesch, Paul Lombardo Introduction: In Australia, ultrasound scans are carried out by sonographers who provide preliminary findings to the radiologist. The radiologist then confirms these findings and creates the final report. However, timely reporting of radiology exams at regional or remote clinical centres can be problematic due to the lack of radiologists available for reporting. The aim of this study was to explore if sonographers can provide accurate preliminary ultrasound reports in selected emergency cases and thus reduce the time and risks associated with delays in the provision of a final report. Methods: Abdominal ultrasound examinations referred by the Emergency department at a large regional hospital were retrospectively reviewed and sonographer findings compared to the final radiologists’ reports in a blinded fashion. Results: Eighty-six cases were identified and 73 (84.9%) reached a complete agreement between the sonographer and the radiologists. In 12 cases (14%), a minor discrepancy was reported and only one case (1.1%) was scored as moderately discrepant. There were no significant differences in the use of hedging vocabulary, ability to answer the clinical question or requests for further imaging. Sonographer findings are useful when radiologists are unavailable for the reporting of urgent abdominal scans. 17.2. Sonography Education program in HUS Medical Imaging Center Presenter: Heli Patanen, HUS Medical Imaging Center, Finland Authors: Heli Patanen Introduction: In my presentation I will tell about the sonography educational program which is organized by HUS Medical Imaging Centre. The demand for diagnostic ultrasound examinations has been growing but the resource of radiologist is limited. One solution for this problem has been a transfer of certain ultrasound examinations to sonographers. The current educational program is organized by HUS Medical Imaging Centre in collaboration with the University of Helsinki and Metropolia University of Applied Science. The extent of the program is 30 credit units of which 80 per cent consists of clinical learning and hands-on-sessions and 20 per cent is theory (lectures, selfconducted studying). Duration of the studies is approximately 1,5 years but is depending on examinations one has to perform to qualify. Four radiographers and one medical laboratory technologist were selected for the program. Traditionally we have had radiographers as sonographers but with this program a medical laboratory technologist started the education and is pioneering in HUS area in clinical physiology. Educational program consists of five modules. Results: The major part of the education is clinical learning which is taking place on one´s own department as hands-on-learning. Students have to perform certain amount of ultrasound examinations and they must have a certain amount of findings. The activity and medical specialities of the hospital determine the content of the educational program and therefore the examinations of the sonographers vary. 17.3. The role of ultrasound in the management of patients with cervical cancer at Kenyatta national hospital Presenter: Evelyn Khakasa Wasike, Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya Authors: Evelyn Khakasa Wasike Objective: The study was conducted to determine the socio demographic features of cervical cancer patients attending Kenyatta national hospital and the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis, staging and follow- up of cervical cancer patients. Methods: The retrospective study was carried out at cancer treatment centre in Kenyatta National hospital. Three hundred and eighty five files were used. Predisposing factors such as multiple partners, alcohol, smoking and marital status as well as social demographics were correlated


ISRRT | Book Of Abstracts
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