Radiographer abnormality detection schemes in the trauma environment: An assessment of current practice
Publication date
2008Peer-Reviewed
YesOpen Access status
closedAccess
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Radiographer abnormality detection schemes (RADS) were first introduced in the United Kingdom (UK) in the mid 1980s with the development of the ‘red dot scheme’. This article establishes the current position of UK RADS practice and provides insight into specific areas for development. Method: A postal questionnaire was distributed to 456 sites, including 270 emergency departments and 186 minor injuries units (MIU). Information was sought relating to: the type of emergency department and radiography service provided; details of RADS operated including any education and audit to support radiographer participation; and the mandatory/voluntary nature of the system adopted. Results: A total of 306 (n = 306/456; 74%) responses were received. The large majority of respondents (n = 284/306; 92.8%) indicated that a RADS was in operation. Of these, 221 sites operated a red dot scheme, 7 sites operated a radiographer comment system, and a further 54 sites operated both a red dot and comment scheme. Two sites indicated that a RADS other than red dot or radiographer commenting was operated. Twenty-one different methods of highlighting abnormal images were identified and eight different commenting methods. The RADS was considered mandatory at 25% of sites. Conclusion: This study confirms the continued widespread contribution of radiographers to the trauma diagnostic process through the use of RADS. The informal nature of the systems, inconsistent approaches to audit and education, and variations in the methods employed are issues which require national guidance.Version
No full-text in the repositoryCitation
Snaith B and Hardy ML (2008) Radiographer abnormality detection schemes in the trauma environment: An assessment of current practice. Radiography. 14(4): 277-281.Link to Version of Record
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2007.09.001Type
Articleae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2007.09.001