| 1. |
- Ahlander, Britt-Marie, 1954-, et al.
(author)
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Anxiety during magnetic resonance imaging of the spine in relation to scanner design and size
- 2020
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In: Radiography. - : Elsevier. - 1078-8174 .- 1532-2831. ; 26:2, s. 110-116
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging in closed-bore scanners sometimes provokes anxiety but closed-bore designs have gradually become wider and shorter. Open scanners may be easier to tolerate. The aim was to compare patient anxiety during MRI between bore diameters of 60 cm and 70 cm, and to determine the current level of patient anxiety and experience in open scanners in a clinical setrting.Methods: Consecutive patients referred for examination of the spine in 60 cm and 70 cm bores and one open scanner participated. Four established/validated questionnaires, answered before, directly after (N = 155) and one week after (N = 109) the MRI-examination were used, measuring anxiety, fear and depression.Results: No difference was found in the patient scores of anxiety between the 60 cm and the 70 cm scanners on the examination day. At follow-up, patients in the 70 cm bore rated their examination experience better (p < 0.025), compared to patients in the 60 cm bore. Patients in the open scanner rated higher levels of anxiety (p < 0.001) before, directly after and one week after the examination, compared to the closed bore scanners.Conclusion: Scanners with a 70 cm diameter bore seem more tolerable than those with a 60 cm bore. Patients referred to the open scanner had on average a higher tendency to express anxiety. Still, patient anxiety in MRI is challenging and further research required.Implications for practice: Patients prefer to be examined in 70 cm bore scanners compared with 60 cm. If open scanners aren't available extended support may be necessary for the most anxious patients.
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| 2. |
- Bergquist, Magnus, 1960, et al.
(author)
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The effects of PACS on radiographer’s work practice
- 2007
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In: Radiography. - London : W.B. Saunders Co. Ltd.. ; 13:3, s. 235-240
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper identifies and analyses the effects of picture archiving and communica- tion systems (PACS) on radiographers’ work practice. It shows that the introduction of PACS did not simply entail the transfer of data and information from the analogue world to the digital world, but it also led to the introduction of new ways of communicating, and new activities and responsibilities on the part of radiography staff. Radiographers are called upon to work increasingly independently, and individual practitioners require higher levels of professional expertise. In all, this paper demonstrates that new technical solutions sometimes lead to sub- stantial changes in responsibilities in work. In this example, the radiographers’ work practice has become more highly scientific and they are enjoying a higher level of prestige.
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| 3. |
- Bjällmark, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Radiology departmental policy compliance with Swedish guidelines regarding post-contrast acute kidney injury for examinations with iodinated contrast media
- 2021
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In: Radiography. - : Elsevier. - 1078-8174 .- 1532-2831. ; 27:4, s. 1058-1063
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Guidelines concerning intravenous iodinated contrast media (CM) during computed tomography (CT) examinations are important to follow to minimize the risk for post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI). The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiology departmental policy compliance with Swedish guidelines concerning PC-AKI.METHODS: In February 2020, an electronic survey was distributed to the responsible radiographer at 41 radiology departments in all university hospitals and medium-sized hospitals in Sweden. The questions focused on routines around renal functional tests, individualized contrast administration and handling of patients with diabetes mellitus taking metformin.RESULTS: The response rate was 83%. Seventy-six percent (n = 26) of radiology departments calculated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from serum creatinine prior to CM administration, but only 24% (n = 8) followed the recommendation to calculate eGFR from both serum creatinine and cystatin C. For acute/inpatients, 55% (n = 18) followed the recommendation that renal functional tests should be performed within 12 h before CM administration. For elective patients, 97% (n = 33) followed the recommendation to have eGFR newer than three months which is acceptable for patients with no history of disease that may have affected renal function. Approximately 80% of the radiology departments followed the recommendation that CM dose always should be individually adjusted to patient eGFR. Seventy-six percent (n = 26) followed the recommendation to continue with metformin at eGFR ≥ 45 ml/min.CONCLUSION: Compliance with the national guidelines was high regarding routines around renal functional tests, dose adjustment of CM and metformin discontinuation. Improvements can be made in using both cystatin C and serum creatinine for eGFR calculations as well as ensuring renal function tests within 12 h for acute/inpatients with acute disease that may affect renal function.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study raises awareness of the importance of adhering to guidelines in healthcare. To have knowledge about the current level of compliance regarding PCI-AKI is important to maintain and develop effective clinical implementation of guidelines. The variation in practice seen in this study emphasizes the need of more effective implementation strategies to ensure adherence with best practice.
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| 4. |
- Björkman, Berit, et al.
(author)
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Children's and parents' perceptions of care during the peri-radiographic process when the child is seen for a suspected fracture
- 2016
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In: Radiography. - : Elsevier BV. - 1078-8174 .- 1532-2831. ; 22:1, s. 71-76
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Visiting a Radiology department may elicit both positive and negative feelings for children and parents alike. This study investigated children's and parents' perceptions of care during the peri-radiographic process and whether these perceptions correlated with the child's perceptions of pain and distress. Methods This study utilized a quantitative descriptive design. Its data was collected in five Radiology departments, two where examinations are performed exclusively on children and three that treat both children and adults. Data collection contained questionnaires from children (n = 110) and their parent (n = 110) as well as children's self-reports of pain and distress. Results The findings illustrated that the children and their parent were satisfied with the care provided throughout the peri-radiographic process, unrelated to the child's self-reported levels of pain and distress or examination setting (i.e. children's department or general department). The highest scores of satisfaction were ascribed to “the radiographer's kindness and ability to help in a sufficient way,” whereas “available time to ask questions and to meet the child's emotional needs” received the lowest scores. Conclusions Parents and children alike perceived the radiographers as skilled and sensitive throughout the examination, while radiographers' time allocated to interacting with the child was not perceived be sufficiently covered.
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| 5. |
- Björkman, Berit, et al.
(author)
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Children's experience of going through an acute radiographic examination
- 2012
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In: Radiography. - : Elsevier. - 1078-8174 .- 1532-2831. ; 18:2, s. 84-89
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Children’s experience of radiographic examinations remains largely unexplored, although most radiographers examine children on a daily basis. In order to provide the high quality care that meets the needs of patients it was considered important to undertake research focused upon the patients’ experience of radiographic practice.The aim of the study was to investigate children’s experiences undergoing a radiographic examination for a suspected fracture.Inclusion criteria were Swedish-speaking children between 3 and 15 years of age who were submitted for a radiographic examination with an acute condition of the upper or lower extremity. Patients were informed of the study and together with the escorting parent or relative asked for consent to participate.During the examination the child was videotaped and immediately after, the child was interviewed in a nearby facility. The interview contained open-ended questions and was conducted while watching the videotape together with the child and their parent or relative and the researcher.Qualitative content analysis was used in analyzing the collected data. The analysis resulted in two categories - “feeling uncomfortable” and “feeling confident”. The subcategories contained in these categories were “pain in relation to injury and examination”, “the waiting time is strenuous”, “worries for the future and consequences of the injury”, “confidence in parental presence”, “confidence in radiographic staff and examination procedure”, and finally “recognition entails familiarity”.The results revealed that for the younger children, the experience of undergoing an acute radiographic examination was associated with pain and anxiety, but for the older children, the anxiety was more connected to whether the injury had caused a fracture and any anticipated future consequences or complications.
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| 6. |
- Björkman, Berit, et al.
(author)
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Children’s pain and distress while undergoing an acute radiographic examination
- 2012
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In: Radiography. - Elsevier : Elsevier BV. - 1078-8174 .- 1532-2831. ; 18:3, s. 191-196
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pain has been highlighted as a main concern for children in conjunction with an acute radiographic examination. The aim of this study was to further investigate children’s pain and distress while undergoing an acute radiographic examination.The study comprised 29 participants with an age range of 5–15 years who were injured and submitted to an acute radiographic examination of the upper or lower extremity when the question at issue was fracture. The Coloured Analogue Scale (CAS) and the Facial Affective Scale (FAS) were used as self-reporting scales to measure the children’s pain and distress. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability Behavioural scale (FLACC) was used as an observation tool to assess behaviours associated with pain in children.Descriptive statistics were used when analysing the scores, and the results showed that children experience pain and distress in conjunction with a radiographic examination after an injury. Spearman’s correlation was used to compare variables, and significant correlations were obtained between the self-reported pain and the observed pain behaviour. Fischer’s Exact test was used to compare groups, and when using the cut-off 3.0 on the self-reporting scale no significant correlation was found concerning the pain reported by children diagnosed with and without a fracture. No significant correlations were found concerning the self-reported distress and pain either, regardless of whether it was a first-time visit and whether a parent was near during the examination.
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| 7. |
- Björkman, Berit, et al.
(author)
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Plausible scenarios for the radiography profession in Sweden in 2025
- 2017
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In: Radiography. - : Elsevier. - 1078-8174 .- 1532-2831. ; 23:4, s. 314-320
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Radiography is a healthcare speciality with many technical challenges. Advances in engineering and information technology applications may continue to drive and be driven by radiographers. The world of diagnostic imaging is changing rapidly and radiographers must be proactive in order to survive. To ensure sustainable development, organisations have to identify future opportunities and threats in a timely manner and incorporate them into their strategic planning. Hence, the aim of this study was to analyse and describe plausible scenarios for the radiography profession in 2025.Method: The study has a qualitative design with an inductive approach based on focus group interviews. The interviews were inspired by the Scenario-Planning method.Results: Of the seven trends identified in a previous study, the radiographers considered two as the most uncertain scenarios that would have the greatest impact on the profession should they occur. These trends, labelled "Access to career advancement" and "A sufficient number of radiographers", were inserted into the scenario cross. The resulting four plausible future scenarios were: The happy radiographer, the specialist radiographer, the dying profession and the assembly line.Conclusion: It is suggested that "The dying profession" scenario could probably be turned in the opposite direction by facilitating career development opportunities for radiographers within the profession. Changing the direction would probably lead to a profession composed of "happy radiographers" who are specialists, proud of their profession and competent to carry out advanced tasks, in contrast to being solely occupied by "the assembly line".
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| 8. |
- Bolejko, A., et al.
(author)
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Effects of an information booklet on patient anxiety and satisfaction with information in magnetic resonance imaging : A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial
- 2021
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In: Radiography. - : Elsevier BV. - 1078-8174 .- 1532-2831. ; 27:1, s. 162-167
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important modality in diagnostics and treatment follow-up. However, MRI can be perceived as unpleasant even though the examination is non-invasive. Patients' knowledge of the MRI procedure is usually scarce, which may enhance patient anxiety at examination. We investigated the effects on anxiety and satisfaction with an information booklet on MRI compared to a placebo booklet delivered to adult patients prior to their first MRI examination. Methods: This randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 197 patients. The intervention group (n = 95) received a booklet about MRI prior to the examination, whereas the control group (n = 102) received a placebo booklet of the same size and layout but containing general information. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory with supplementary questions from the Quality from the Patient's Perspective questionnaire were used as patient-reported outcome measures. Results: Anxiety did not differ between the groups, either prior to MRI or during the examination, but those who received the placebo booklet were at higher risk of experiencing high anxiety prior to the MRI examination (odds ratio 2.64; P = 0.029). The intervention group was more satisfied with the information received (P = 0.044), and a majority of participants in both groups (≥87%) considered it important to obtain information on the MRI procedure. Conclusion: Written MRI information decreases the risk of high anxiety levels before MRI and improves patient satisfaction with the information. Further research is needed to investigate whether written information prior to MRI is beneficial not only from the perspective of the patient but may also be cost-effective. Implications for practice: Written MRI information prior to the examination is recommended in radiography care.
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| 9. |
- Bäck, Anna-Karin, 1971-, et al.
(author)
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Troubled but in good hands : A qualitative study on patient experiences in diuresis renography examinations
- 2024
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In: Radiography. - : Elsevier. - 1078-8174 .- 1532-2831.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Diuresis renography is a nuclear medicine examination that can distinguish between obstructive and non-obstructive uropathy. Renography has been investigated before, but not from a patient perspective. The aim of this study was to gain knowledge and understanding of patient experiences with the diuresis renography process.METHODS: The study had a qualitative descriptive design; data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 17 adult patients that had recently undergone diuresis renography. The transcripts were analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis to identify their manifest and latent content.RESULTS: One main theme was identified: 'Not smooth all the way through, but still in good hands'. The participants understood the necessity of the performed renography and endured the examination despite its worrying elements. They were bothered by diuretic effects, worried about radioactivity and felt isolated during the imaging. The technologists' caring and informative approach eased their experience. The main theme was identified from three subthemes: 'I experienced inconvenience', 'I was worried' and 'I felt safe'.CONCLUSION: The participants experienced worry throughout the renography process but were still satisfied with the examination, mostly because of the technologists being involved. Communication and interaction between patient and technologist are important for creating a good experience. Improved knowledge of patient experiences during renographies could be used to develop patient information and increase technologists' awareness of factors patients may experience as troubling.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study describes issues that contribute to both negative and positive experiences. Improved professional awareness and knowledge about these issues can contribute to the development of patient information and professional encounters, and may improve patients' compliance and overall experience.
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| 10. |
- Bäckström, Marice, et al.
(author)
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On the edge of decision-making in trauma care: A focus group study on radiographers’ experiences of interprofessional collaboration
- 2023
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In: Radiography. - : Elsevier. - 1078-8174 .- 1532-2831. ; 29:6, s. 1123-1129
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: The temporary trauma teams in trauma alerts consist of a diverse group of unique professionals requiring interprofessional collaboration and coordination to achieve efficient, high-quality care. The uncertain situation and complex care environment impose high demands on team dynamics such as individual attitudes and team behaviours. Within interprofessional teams, interaction and coordination reflect the collective success of collaboration and the achievement of goals. Interactions with radiographers have increased in trauma teams given computed tomography's prominent role in providing crucial knowledge for decision-making in trauma care. This study aimed to explore radiographers' experiences of interprofessional collaboration during trauma alerts.Method: The study was designed with focus group methodology, including 17 radiographers participating in five focus groups, analysed with an inductive focus group analysis.Results: An overarching theme, “On the edge of decision-making”, emerged along with three sub-themes: “Feeling included requires acknowledgement”, “Exclusion precludes shared knowledge”, and “Experience and mutual awareness facilitate team interaction”.Conclusions: Interprofessional collaboration from the radiographer's perspective within trauma teams requires a sense of inclusion and the ability to interact with the team. Exclusion from vital decision-making obstructs radiographers' comprehension of situations and thereby the interdependence in interprofessional collaboration. Implications for practice: Common platforms are needed for knowledge sharing and team practices, including radiographers’ areas of responsibility and relational coordination to foster interprofessional relationships. Through these means interdependence through awareness and shared knowledge can be facilitated on trauma teams.
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