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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the current role of conventional radiography examinations in Western Switzerland and the main clinical indications required to justify the use of this imaging examination. Methods: Ethical approval was obtained from the Vaud Ethics Committee (Ref 2020–00311). An online questionnaire was specifically designed and implemented on the data collection tool LimeSurvey composed of two parts: a) to characterise the participants’ profile and their institutions and b) 169 projections for the different anatomical areas (upper and lower limbs, pelvis, skull, spine, thorax, abdomen) were presented to collect data about the frequency and main clinical indications. Statistical analysis was performed using the software IBM SPSS® (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 26. Results: Radiographers from 60% (26/43) of the invited institutions participated in this survey, mainly from the Vaud region. The upper and lower limbs were the most commonly examined by using conventional radiography mainly for trauma and degenerative disorders. The thorax was also an anatomical area commonly explored by X-rays, and so was the spine (cervical and lumbar lateral). The skull radiographs were rarely performed in clinical practice and some of the projections were not being used, namely Hirtz, Tangential Nose Bones, Worms, and Caldwell's views. Conclusions: Plain radiography is being used in clinical practice mainly for appendicular skeleton studies and for trauma and degenerative pathologies. Adaptations in radiographers’ education and training and other healthcare professionals are needed to provide the judicious use of data that radiographs can give to better manage the patients’ imaging pathway.
Description
Keywords
Radiology Radiographers Medical imaging examinations Upper and lower limbs Extremities Abdomen Chest Skull Switzerland
Citation
Reis CS, Guliza M, Champendal M, De Labouchere S, Sun Z, Silva C. Plain radiography has a role to play in current clinical practice in Western Switzerland. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci. 2023;54(4):670-8.