Browsing by Author "Johansen, S."
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- A comparative study about motivations, expectations and future plans for professional development in four European radiography programsPublication . Reis, Cláudia; Jorge, José; York, H.; Flaction, L.; Johansen, S.; Mæhle, S.Introduction: This study aims to compare motivations, expectations and work plans of students and teaching staff from four different European radiography programs, it aims also to explore areas that could be included to advance postgraduate studies. Methods: Two different questionnaires (open- and closed-end questions) were applied to key-informants, students who had just completed their bachelor thesis and teaching staff, to collect data regarding motivations, expectations, challenges, and potentials for radiography education and, plans for further work. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were performed according to the nature of the questions. Results: The response rates were 45% (students) and 68% (teaching-staff). The motivations to study radiography were similar between students: to work in a healthcare-service, helping people, manipulating high-end technologies, providing service while combining different knowledge (physics, patient-care, physiology, and anatomy). 75% of the students did not reach all their expectations due to the lack of focused and updated content for some areas. The teaching staff was expecting an extension of the radiographers' role. The development of advanced studies in computed tomography and magnetic resonance was highlighted as important by students. Future work plans included: self-improvement, the continuation of studies, specialization, research, and collaborations. Conclusions: This study increased the understanding of radiography education and provides insights into future perspectives. Participants have similar motivations, expectations, and future plans. Improvements in education should focus on technological developments and meeting job market demands. Further studies should be performed to identify approaches that acknowledge the specific needs of each country, while also providing strategies to harmonize radiography education in Europe.
- Curricula, attributes and clinical experiences of radiography programs in four European educational institutionsPublication . Reis, Cláudia; Jorge, José; York, H.; Flaction, L.; Johansen, S.; Maehle, S.Introduction - The aim of this study was to compare radiography curricula, teaching/learning strategies, skill development, clinical practice outcomes and research development delivered by four European educational institutions. Methods - This study was carried out in two phases: the first focused on curricula analysis; the second involved online questionnaires to ascertain data from two key-informants: students who had recently completed their bachelor thesis and teaching staff. Questionnaires were designed to capture teaching and learning strategies, skill acquisition and outcomes of clinical practice and research. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were performed according to the nature of the questions. Results - The European Credits Transfer System dedicated per core subject area (natural sciences, clinical practice, research, imaging technology, humanities) differed between institutions. Students classified technical, practical and communication skills as the most important, teaching-staff highlighted also critical thinking. The students defined as “very good” their experience in radiography (58.5%) and computed-tomography (45%). Magnetic resonance imaging practice was considered “Average” by 53% of the UK-students and “Good” by the other European students (40%). According to 71% (55/78) of the students, research work contributed to the development of critical/reflective thinking. Conclusions - The four radiography programs presented variations in curricula, contact-hours, clinical experience, and outcomes. Research units allowed the participant-students to develop their critical thinking capabilities. The outcomes from clinical practice differ across the institutions, mainly due to differences in background and access to specialties. Further work is necessary to assess the real impact of different radiography programs on professional and academic mobility across Europe.
- A multi institutional comparison of imaging dose and technique protocols for neonatal chest radiographyPublication . Gunn, C.; O'Brien, K.; Fosså, K.; Tonkopi, E.; Lança, Luís; Martins, Cláudia Teles; Muller, H.; Friedrich-Nel, H.; Abdolell, M.; Johansen, S.Introduction: The focus on pediatric radiation dose reduction supports the re-evaluation of pediatric imaging protocols. This is particularly important in neonates where chest radiographs are frequently requested to assess respiratory illness and line placement. This study aims to assess the impact of neonatal chest radiographic protocols on patient dose in four hospitals in different countries. Methods: Exposure parameters, collimation, focus to skin distance (FSD) and radiation dose from 200 neonatal chest radiographs were registered prospectively. Inclusion criteria consisted of both premature and full-term neonates weighing between 1000 and 5000 g. Only data from the examinations meeting diagnostic criteria and approved for the clinical use were included. The radiation dose was assessed using a dose area product (DAP). Results: The lowest DAP value (4.58 mGy cm2) was recorded in the Norwegian hospital, employing a high kVp, low mAs protocol using a DR system. The Canadian hospital recorded the highest DAP (9.48), using lower kVp and higher mAs with a CR system, including the addition of a lateral projection. The difference in the mean DAP, weight, the field of view (FOV) and kVp between the hospitals is statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: The use of non-standardized imaging protocols in neonatal chest radiography results in differences in patient dose across hospitals included in the study. Using higher kVp, lower mAs and reducing the number of lateral projections to clinically relevant indications result in a lower DAP measured in the infant sample studied. Further studies to examine image quality based on exposure factors and added filtration are recommended. Implications for practice: Reevaluation of pediatric imaging protocols presents an opportunity to reduce patient dose in a population with increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation.