Low Health Literacy Is Associated With Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes in a Nonclinical Population.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine associations among risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), health literacy levels, and sociodemographic characteristics in a nonclinical adult population to assist in the development of effective T2D prevention programs. METHODS: The Health Literacy Questionnaire and Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool were included in an online survey. Participants were a random sample of adults residing in each Australian state and territory. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 1279 Australian adults participated (52% female; mean ± SD age, 61 ± 12 years). Most were at medium (42.4%) or high (46.9%) risk of developing T2D. The lowest health literacy scores were found for the domains "critical appraisal of health information" and "navigating the health care system." After controlling for covariates, participants at the highest risk of developing T2D were significantly more likely to be unemployed, have ≥1 chronic conditions, or have a mental health condition. Furthermore, they were significantly more likely to develop T2D if they scored low in 1 of the following health literacy domains: critical appraisal of health information, navigating the health care system, actively managing health, social support, and health care provider support. CONCLUSIONS: Health literacy was associated with increased risk for developing T2D and should therefore be part of diabetes prevention initiatives. Specifically, new health promotion initiatives need to help people develop skills required to critically appraise health information and navigate the health care system. Health practitioners and educators should ensure that health information developed for consumers is uncomplicated and easily understood.

Use of Online Media for Professional Development Amongst Medical Radiation Practitioners in Australia and Canada.

Online media allows access to professional development (PD) regardless of geographical location and has the potential to provide equitable, immediate and quality PD. Online media includes online information and social media. The purpose of this mixed methods research study was to investigate the perceptions and use of online media for PD amongst medical radiation practitioners within Australia and Canada. An online survey was circulated to members of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) and the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT). The survey collected data within three domains: current use, satisfaction of use, and future use. A four point Likert scale was used for both satisfaction with the online platform and frequency of use. Two hundred and thirty-nine responses were collected. Results indicated that the online mechanisms most frequently used by respondents for PD were Google, self-directed learning, and intranet. A correlating degree of satisfaction was indicated with the use of these platforms. The least used online media for PD were social media platforms including health related blogs, LinkedIn, Twitter, health related and professional applications, Facebook, and online journal clubs. Online media is well suited to PD for medical radiation practitioners. The platforms that are preferred offer speed and ease of access regardless of geographical location or occupation. Whilst inherent risks and instances of unprofessional online behaviour are acknowledged, Australian and Canadian practitioners are keen to learn what social media PD opportunities exist. Findings indicate that radiation therapists are more receptive to explore new social media platforms and tools than are radiographers. There is an opportunity to incorporate formal PD for medical radiation practitioners within recognised social media platforms.

Strategies to Improve Radiographic Practices for Patients With Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients are one of the highest health care service users globally. In the context of radiography, there are many AD patients who undergo imaging procedures for common age-related conditions. However, there is currently no literature on how radiographers can effectively manage such patients in imaging situations. METHODOLOGY: This review examined the literature regarding the interaction between Alzheimer's patients and other health care professionals (eg, nurses) and the strategies that have been used to improve patient compliance and accommodate functional decline. FINDINGS: Many strategies relating to care of patients with AD are long term, and cannot be applied in a radiographic setting, where patients may only present once. Transferrable strategies for a radiographic setting include the support of carers during the examination process, a reduction in noise and use of calming music, and allowing the patient to personalize the examination room by bringing a photograph or an item of comfort. CONCLUSION: These simple strategies can reduce the level of anxiety experienced by AD patients, reduce typical behavioral symptoms of agitation, aggression and discomfort, and increase patient cooperation and responsiveness.

Patient-Centered Strategies to Improve Radiographic Practice for Patients with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Down syndrome is a common human genetic disorder caused by trisomy of chromosome 21. Individuals with Down syndrome can present with a range of health issues during their lives that may require imaging for diagnosis. Radiographers, therefore, play a significant role in the management and communication of Down syndrome patients' health. PURPOSE: This review identified patient-centered strategies that radiographers should use to provide quality imaging services for Down syndrome patients, who may have limited verbal ability and behavioral issues. METHOD: A systematic review using the established PRISMA guidelines was undertaken of current literature obtained through the Ovid and Scopus databases. A total of 189 articles were found, of which 41 were categorized and analyzed in detail. FINDINGS: A high level of care for Down syndrome patients will require longer than usual procedures, and the patients will not respond well to being rushed or ignored. Down syndrome patients have difficulty verbalizing, yet they understand more than is often thought. Individuals may require increased imaging time to give them time to respond, especially to pain. Patients are at risk of injury with AAI or other pathologies, and caution should be taken with flexion and extension spine x-rays. Radiographs may reveal undisclosed physical abuse. CONCLUSION: Specific strategies with verbal and nonverbal communication help to facilitate communication, reduce anxiety and fear, and improve compliance with Down syndrome patients. Patients may require an increased level of care; increased imaging time; and allowing support people to be present during the examination process.

Errors in Medical Imaging and Radiography Practice: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Errors in health care can harm patients and undermine public trust, yet many are preventable. In medical imaging and radiography, errors can cause increased radiation dose, misdiagnosis, and clinical mismanagement. AIM: The purpose of this review was to identify the type and prevalence of errors directly associated with radiography practice and the imaging cycle, with a view to developing recommendations to reduce common errors. METHOD: A systematic review was undertaken of current literature obtained through the Ovid Medline and PubMed databases. A total of 41 useable articles were analysed into a priori categories of the medical imaging cycle: preprocedural, procedural, and postprocedural. FINDINGS: This review found that errors may occur during any phase of the cycle and that communication breakdown, especially during handover periods, was the main contributing factor to errors. Although the importance of incident reporting is well recognised, feedback to users is often limited. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic approach to radiographic practice may assist in reducing communication-related errors. Future research is required to determine how extending radiographers' roles or using electronic ordering systems could also help to reduce errors.