USP7 small-molecule inhibitors interfere with ubiquitin binding.

The ubiquitin system regulates essential cellular processes in eukaryotes. Ubiquitin is ligated to substrate proteins as monomers or chains and the topology of ubiquitin modifications regulates substrate interactions with specific proteins. Thus ubiquitination directs a variety of substrate fates including proteasomal degradation. Deubiquitinase enzymes cleave ubiquitin from substrates and are implicated in disease; for example, ubiquitin-specific protease-7 (USP7) regulates stability of the p53 tumour suppressor and other proteins critical for tumour cell survival. However, developing selective deubiquitinase inhibitors has been challenging and no co-crystal structures have been solved with small-molecule inhibitors. Here, using nuclear magnetic resonance-based screening and structure-based design, we describe the development of selective USP7 inhibitors GNE-6640 and GNE-6776. These compounds induce tumour cell death and enhance cytotoxicity with chemotherapeutic agents and targeted compounds, including PIM kinase inhibitors. Structural studies reveal that GNE-6640 and GNE-6776 non-covalently target USP7 12 Å distant from the catalytic cysteine. The compounds attenuate ubiquitin binding and thus inhibit USP7 deubiquitinase activity. GNE-6640 and GNE-6776 interact with acidic residues that mediate hydrogen-bond interactions with the ubiquitin Lys48 side chain, suggesting that USP7 preferentially interacts with and cleaves ubiquitin moieties that have free Lys48 side chains. We investigated this idea by engineering di-ubiquitin chains containing differential proximal and distal isotopic labels and measuring USP7 binding by nuclear magnetic resonance. This preferential binding protracted the depolymerization kinetics of Lys48-linked ubiquitin chains relative to Lys63-linked chains. In summary, engineering compounds that inhibit USP7 activity by attenuating ubiquitin binding suggests opportunities for developing other deubiquitinase inhibitors and may be a strategy more broadly applicable to inhibiting proteins that require ubiquitin binding for full functional activity.

Implementing Protocols to Improve Patient Safety in the Medical Imaging Department.

Patient safety is a focal point in healthcare because of recent changes issued by CMS. Hospital reimbursement rates have fallen, and these reimbursement rates are governed by CMS mandates regarding patient safety procedures. Reimbursement changes are reflected in the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) administered annually by The Joint Commission. Medical imaging departments have multiple areas of patient safety concerns including effective handoff communication, proper patient identification, and safe medication/contrast administration. This literature review examines those areas of patient safety within the medical imaging department and reveals the need for continued protocol and policy changes to keep patients safe.

Managing Generational Differences in Radiology.

Diversity can take many forms. One type of recent focus is generational differences and intergenerational issues. Much research exists regarding generational differences in the workplace and in healthcare as a whole. Very little has been done on generational differences within the field of radiology. An analysis of current research of generational differences within radiology, nursing, and healthcart in general was performed to identify current trends and establish similarities and discordance in available studies. An emphasis was placed on how generational differences influence education, teamwork, and patient care, along with what challenges and opportunities exist for managers, leaders, and organizations.

Discovery of Potent, Selective, and Orally Available IRE1α Inhibitors Demonstrating Comparable PD Modulation to IRE1 Knockdown in a Multiple Myeloma Model.

The lack of selective and safe in vivo IRE1α tool molecules has limited the evaluation of IRE1α as a viable target to treat multiple myeloma. Focus on improving the physicochemical properties of a literature compound by decreasing lipophilicity, molecular weight, and basicity allowed the discovery of a novel series with a favorable in vitro safety profile and good oral exposure. These efforts culminated in the identification of a potent and selective in vivo tool compound, G-5758, that was well tolerated following multiday oral administration of doses up to 500 mg/kg. G-5758 demonstrated comparable pharmacodynamic effects to induced IRE1 knockdown as measured by XBP1s levels in a multiple myeloma model (KMS-11).

Analysis of Peer-Reviewed Articles in ASRT Scholarly Journals.

PURPOSE: To analyze peer-reviewed articles in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) scholarly journals, Radiologic Technology and Radiation Therapist, and identify types of research and collaborative efforts among top producers. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted by searching the Radiologic Technology and Radiation Therapist archives on the ASRT website to evaluate peer-reviewed articles from 2011 to 2021. A Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was created to document the types of research being published in the ASRT journals, as well as the number of authors for each peer-reviewed article, education levels of authors, collaborative efforts of top producers of scholarship, and mean authorship index of top producers. RESULTS: During this 11-year period, 217 peer-reviewed articles were published in the ASRT journals with most being original research studies (152, 70.0%). Most of the articles were written by 2 authors (68, 31.3%) or 4 or more authors (65, 30.0%). Of the 635 total authors, most held a doctoral degree (247, 38.9%) or a master's degree (212, 33.4%). Five top producers of research were identified as having published 5 or more peer-reviewed articles, and their mean authorship index was 95.5. Four top producers routinely collaborated on research articles. DISCUSSION: Initiatives, such as mentorships, to promote continued publication of original research studies and increase standalone literature reviews and case studies specific to the ASRT journals might be warranted. Medical imaging and radiation therapy educators can capitalize on collaboration by mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in various research opportunities to prepare future scholars in the profession. Further, medical imaging and radiation therapy authors should consider rotating author responsibilities on a collaborative team. Because the ASRT is the premier professional association for the medical imaging and radiation therapy community, authors should consider publishing in their 2 journals to advance and add to the profession's body of knowledge. CONCLUSION: Research articles in the ASRT journals demonstrate high collaborative authorship efforts. This study provides a foundation for future research to improve advancement of knowledge in the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession.

Trauma-Informed Care in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy to Reduce Retraumatization.

PURPOSE: To provide an overview of trauma-informed care, including the neurobiology of trauma, interventions to reduce retraumatizing patients who have experienced trauma, and implications of trauma-informed care in medical imaging and radiation therapy. METHODS: A comprehensive search of electronic databases related to the purpose of this project resulted in the collection of 12 peer-reviewed journal articles. Two conference papers, 1 behavioral science textbook, 1 trauma neurobiology textbook, 1 professional conference presentation, and 1 governmental report also were reviewed to complement the journal articles. A thematic analysis was performed to identify commonalities among the selected sources. RESULTS: Four themes identified in the literature included definitions of trauma-informed care, neurobiology of trauma, pillars of trauma-informed care for intervention, and implications in medical imaging and radiation therapy. DISCUSSION: A trauma-informed health care professional realizes the prevalence of trauma, recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma, responds by integrating knowledge about trauma into practice, and actively resists retraumatizing the patient (ie, avoids creating an environment that inadvertently reminds patients of their traumatic experiences and causes them to experience emotional and biological stress). The pillars of trauma-informed care include safety, trustworthiness or transparency, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and responsiveness or cultural considerations. Delivery of health care often involves assessment and interventions in locations on the patient's body where trauma has previously occurred, increasing the probability of retraumatization and manifestation of signs and symptoms of trauma. Radiologic technologists and radiation therapists should be trauma-informed when they are interacting with and caring for patients to reduce retraumatization. A hypothetical case study also is presented to show how radiologic technologists can use the pillars of trauma-informed care in the clinic. CONCLUSION: Because many aspects of care, including routine care in medical imaging and radiation therapy, can be an unintentional reminder of a traumatic experience, health care professionals should be trauma-informed when they are interacting with and caring for patients.

COVID-19 Contingency Planning Among Radiologic Science Programs.

PURPOSE: To examine radiologic science programs' contingency planning related to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Using a mixed-methods approach, educators in magnetic resonance, medical dosimetry, radiation therapy, and radiography programs were surveyed to identify curricular changes, policy implementation, and financial implications related to pandemic recovery efforts. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics and percentages. Thematic analyses were performed on the qualitative responses. RESULTS: Continued curricular changes involved using technology to teach in the online environment and ensuring the safety and protection of students during clinical rotations. Institutional policies implemented because of the pandemic included social distancing guidelines, mask requirements, and availability of vaccine. The greatest financial implication witnessed among the sample of educators at their respective institutions was the halting of employer-related travel. Faced with the spontaneous shift to online learning while not being equipped with the appropriate training, most of the educator participants experienced COVID-19 fatigue and burnout related to teaching online. DISCUSSION: Social distancing guidelines make it difficult for large classes to meet in person, so virtual lectures using video conferencing platforms were an essential part of teaching during the pandemic. Most educators in this study selected recording technology for lectures as the most useful educational technology tool integrated into the didactic portion of their program. For many educators, having administration realize the adoption of technology is integral to and viable for radiologic science programs was a positive outcome of COVID-19. The pandemic caused educators in the study to experience fatigue and burnout related to online learning; however, the educators also expressed a high degree of comfort with using technology in the online learning environment. This implies that the source of fatigue and burnout was likely not associated with the technology, but with the focused and swift transition to predominately online learning. CONCLUSION: Although educators in this sample felt moderately prepared to handle future viral outbreaks and extremely comfortable using technology in the virtual classroom, additional research is needed to develop viable contingency plans and explore pedagogical approaches to content delivery beyond the traditional, in-person structure.

Shift Work and Mental Health Among Radiologic Technologists.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationships between mental health (depression and anxiety) and engaging in shift work, working weekend shifts, and taking call for radiologic technologists, and to identify coping strategies used to manage depression and anxiety. METHODS: Validated instruments were used to measure depression and anxiety levels among a sample of radiologic technologists who were members of Advanced Health Education Center. The participants also identified their primary work shift and their frequency of working weekends and taking call. RESULTS: There were 173 completed survey responses for this study. Most radiologic technologists in this study experienced mild symptoms of depression (62, 35.8%) and anxiety (57, 32.9%). Nearly half of the participants indicated that their depression and anxiety made it difficult for them to perform their jobs effectively, and about one-third of the participants believed those symptoms were intensified by shift work. A strong, positive relationship was identified between participants' total depression and anxiety scores (P < .001). There were no significant differences between shift work and total depression score (P = .06) or total anxiety score (P = .28). A significant association was found between the frequency of working weekend shifts and depression levels (P < .001) with a moderate effect size. Most of the participants identified support from family or friends, prayer and spiritual activities, and prescribed medication as common coping strategies. DISCUSSION: Findings revealed that the radiologic technologists in this study did not rely heavily on employer-based resources, such as employee assistance programs, to cope with their depression and anxiety symptoms. One speculation for underuse of these employer-based resources might be fear of being stigmatized by management or personal perceived stigma against asking for help. There is an opportunity for increased awareness of available mental health resources and acceptance of mental health management to erase the common, negative stigma associated with seeking out professional resources. CONCLUSION: Radiologic technologists in this study experienced depression and anxiety symptoms that affected their work performance and correlated with working weekend shifts; however, there was no significant relationship between shift work and depression or anxiety in this sample of radiologic technologists.

Leading past COVID-19: An analysis of remote work now and beyond.

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many cancer centers and clinics deployed remote work options for their employees. Due to the rapid response needed during this crisis, little to no feedback was obtained from dosimetrists. This study aimed to assess the productivity level and job satisfaction of medical dosimetrists in response to changes in working conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the assistance from the medical dosimetrists certification board (MDCB), critical data was gathered via an original instrument conducted and distributed by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center-School of Health Professions to all current practicing certified medical dosimetrists registered with the MDCB. Data were collected using Qualtrics and analyzed with IBM's SPSS. Most (326, 77.7%) participants indicated they transitioned to a version of remote work due to COVID-19. Almost half of the participants (208, 49.5%) reported increased job satisfaction due to the option to work remotely. The participants reported being extremely satisfied with the individual (247, 58.8%) and department (201, 47.9%) productivity levels even after implementing remote work options. Most participants (225, 53.6%), independent of age and years of experience, would prefer to stay in a hybrid role even after COVID-19 abates. These findings suggest that most dosimetrists prefer to perform their job remotely or asynchronously. A one size fits all job model design may make it difficult for organizations to attract, retain, and grow top dosimetrists. Industry leaders and employers may benefit by embracing this change as dosimetrists may value work-set-up flexibility over other employer-based benefits. Further research is needed to assess the unintended consequences of remote work environments in this profession.

Gadolinium Deposition: A Study Review.

PURPOSE: To analyze literature specific to gadolinium deposition and inform medical imaging professionals about potential risks of contrast retention related to magnetic resonance (MR) imaging examinations as well as alternative imaging techniques that reduce or eliminate the need for gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). METHODS: Peer-reviewed journal articles were collected using PubMed, Academic Search Complete, and Science Direct electronic databases. Information from an MR textbook and reports from various organizations complemented the scholarly sources. RESULTS: The literature focused on classifications of GBCAs, associated risks, deposition rates, current recommendations, and alternative imaging techniques. DISCUSSION: Less stable nonionic linear agents accumulate in tissues at a higher rate than do ionic macrocyclic agents. Deposition still occurs with more stable macrocyclic agents but at lower levels. MR technologists are responsible for checking their patients' renal function and choosing the most appropriate GBCA while adhering to current recommendations regarding contrast administration. The clinical significance of retained gadolinium in the brain is unknown. Long-term studies are necessary to determine whether gadolinium deposition in the brain causes neurological deficits. Until those clinical implications are understood fully, discussions will continue about the use of alternative imaging techniques that reduce or eliminate the need for GBCAs. CONCLUSION: Decisions regarding patients at risk for gadolinium retention should be made on a case-by-case basis, with the risks and benefits weighed. Every effort should be made to minimize residual gadolinium, especially in patients who have renal insufficiency and in patients who require repeated contrast examinations. When contrast is necessary, MR technologists should use the most stable type in the lowest possible dose.

Reducing Pediatric Patients' Dose by Manipulating Radiographic Projections.

PURPOSE: To determine whether radiologic technologists are manipulating projections to lower patient dose in routine pediatric radiography examinations. METHODS: Using a descriptive survey approach, members from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists with a primary registration in radiography were randomly selected and invited to share their experiences using alternative projections during routine pediatric radiography examinations. RESULTS: For this study, 404 completed responses were analyzed. More than half of the participants (67.6%) strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that the use of alternative projections can reduce pediatric dose during routine radiography examinations, and more than half (61.3%) strongly agreed, agreed, or somewhat agreed that the use of alternative projections is beneficial for dose reduction. Incidentally, the most common response from participants regarding their use of alternative projections during routine pediatric radiography examinations was occasionally or sometimes. Nearly three-fourths of the participants strongly agreed that radiation protection guidelines are important to follow during routine pediatric radiography examinations. Although many radiologic technologists in this sample felt proficient using alternative projections during pediatric procedures, they also believed additional training in such methods would be beneficial. DISCUSSION: Most institutions have imaging protocols in place; however, the use of alternative methods of projection during routine pediatric radiography examinations might heighten current radiation protection guidelines, leading to protocol changes to reduce dose and improve the overall wellbeing of pediatric patients. Furthermore, recent recommendations in the field of medical imaging regarding patient shielding practices might deem positioning to be a more important method for dose reduction. Consultations from radiologists might be necessary to ensure that image quality is sufficient and diagnostic detail is not compromised. Additional training specific to using alternative projections during routine pediatric radiography examinations also might be warranted. CONCLUSION: Current practices do not suggest alternative methods of projection are applied regularly during routine pediatric radiography examinations. Considerations should be made to allow technologists to manipulate projections when permitted.

Assessment of C-arm Confidence Among ASRT Graduate Bridge Program Members.

PURPOSE: To identify the amount of C-arm preparation or instruction that recent graduates received in their radiography programs before starting clinical rotations and to determine whether completing more rotations increased their confidence in operating C-arm equipment. METHODS: Members of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists' Graduate Bridge program who indicated a primary pathway in radiography received an invitation to complete the C-arm confidence survey and self-report their C-arm experiences during clinical education. RESULTS: A third of the participants indicated they received preparation or instruction on C-arm equipment before beginning clinical rotations, with the majority of those indicating they had completed a C-arm laboratory. Almost half of the participants indicated that they were assigned to a minimum of 4 surgical rotations during their radiography program; nearly two-thirds indicated that they were not assigned additional clinical experience with C-arm equipment beyond those rotations. DISCUSSION: Participants who completed 4 or more surgical rotations during their radiography clinical education reported significantly higher confidence levels regarding operating C-arm equipment compared with those participants who completed 3 surgical rotations (P = .005), 2 surgical rotations (P< .001), or 1 surgical rotation (P< .001). Those participants who completed more C-arm rotations reported significantly higher confidence in operating C-arm equipment than did those who completed only surgical rotations (P< .01). A Pearson correlation coefficient also revealed a significant positive relationship between participants' confidence levels after completing surgical and other C-arm rotations (P< .01). Participants' confidence levels increased after completing surgical rotations and other C-arm rotations such as in pain management and interventional radiography. CONCLUSION: Program directors, clinical coordinators, and radiography educators should consider implementing specific instruction on C-arm use and assigning students to more clinical rotations to increase students' confidence in their C-arm skills.

Alcohol Consumption and Associated Cancers.

An association between alcohol consumption, including low and moderate amounts, and an increased risk of cancer development is not widely known. However, literature suggests that consuming alcohol is linked to cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon and rectum, and female breast. In general, higher alcohol consumption is associated with increased cancer risk. To provide proper education and better quality care to the patients they serve, health care providers must understand current literature regarding alcohol-related cancers.

The Relationship Between Leadership Styles and Job Satisfaction: A Survey of MR Technologists' Perceptions.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between managers' leadership styles (ie, transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire) and job satisfaction as perceived by technologists in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging departments. METHODS: A random sample of 10 000 American Society of Radiologic Technologists members with MR credentials was invited to complete a survey that combined 2 previously validated instruments, the Vannsimpco Leadership Survey and the Job Satisfaction Survey. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between managers' leadership styles and technologists' job satisfaction. RESULTS: MR managers exhibited all 3 leadership styles, and technologists in this study reported moderate job satisfaction. Data revealed that transformational and transactional leadership qualities had significant positive correlations with overall job satisfaction as perceived by MR technologists in this study with large effect sizes. A significant negative correlation existed between the laissez-faire leadership style and overall job satisfaction with a small effect size. Significant positive correlations existed between transformational and transactional leadership styles and 4 subscales of job satisfaction (eg, supervision, contingent rewards, nature of work, and communication) with moderate to large effect sizes. Laissez-faire leadership qualities exhibited significant negative correlations with supervision, contingent rewards, and communication with small effect sizes. No significant relationship existed between laissez-faire leadership style and nature of work. DISCUSSION: To maintain motivated and satisfied technologists, MR managers should use transformational, transactional, or a combination of these leadership styles. Leaders with such traits and skills should be selected to manage MR departments and guide technologists. CONCLUSION: This study generates awareness of effective leadership models that encourage higher job satisfaction and fulfillment among MR technologists. Of importance, MR departments with satisfied technologists can lead to technologists with improved job performance and patient care. Future research directed at managers' perceptions of leadership styles and job satisfaction might provide additional information.

COVID-19 Planning Among Radiologic Science Programs: Response Mitigation Activities.

PURPOSE: To examine radiologic science programs' mitigation activities and educators' experiences related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response planning. METHODS: Using a mixed-methods approach, educators in magnetic resonance, medical dosimetry, radiation therapy, and radiography programs were surveyed to capture their experiences and mitigation strategies related to COVID-19 response planning. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics and percentages. Thematic analyses were performed on the qualitative responses. RESULTS: A total of 274 educators responded. Educators reported being somewhat comfortable with modifying clinical experiences (79, 28.8%), moderately comfortable with adjusting assessment procedures (112, 40.9%), and extremely comfortable with changing delivery of didactic content (115, 42%). Incidentally, 220 (80.3%) educators thought adjusting to a new course delivery approach (eg, face-to-face to online format) was the greatest challenge for faculty during the pandemic. Notably, half of the educators in this study questioned the quality of online (remote) learning. Specific to program policies, educators indicated that access restrictions to campus buildings (263, 96%) and removal of students from clinical sites (254, 92.7%) were implemented during the pandemic. DISCUSSION: Educators self-reported a moderate to strong comfort level with curricular modification. The area of modification that yielded the most uncertainty arose from alterations of clinical experiences. Thematic analyses revealed concerns related to personal protective equipment procurement and clinical sites prohibiting students from completing rotations. However, educators created innovative alternatives to enhance clinical education by providing simulations, case study analyses, and virtual tours of facilities during the pandemic. Securing educational technology resources, such as lockdown browser software, and working with institutional instructional designers might provide some resolution to educators' concerns regarding the quality of online (remote) learning. CONCLUSION: Archiving radiologic science programs' COVID-19 response efforts is important. The compilation of mitigation strategies will inform and guide programs on contingency planning for future pandemic and emergent conditions.

Scholarly Productivity Among Educators in Radiologic Sciences and Other Health Care Professions: A Comparative Approach.

PURPOSE: To compare scholarly productivity among dental hygiene, medical imaging and radiation therapy, medical laboratory science, nursing, and respiratory care educators. METHODS: Using a mixed-methods approach, educators were surveyed to compare their engagement in scholarly activities and identify motivators, employer support measures, and barriers associated with scholarship engagement. Quantitative data were analyzed using percentages, descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis H tests, and Welch F tests. Thematic analyses were performed on the qualitative responses. RESULTS: Of the 360 completed surveys, 295 (81.9%) participants indicated that they engaged in scholarly activities. Medical laboratory science educators wrote significantly more peer-reviewed journal articles than did medical imaging and radiation therapy educators (P = .004). Medical laboratory science educators ranked career advancement as a significantly higher motivator than did nursing educators (P = .045); nursing educators ranked personal satisfaction as a significantly higher motivator than did educators from respiratory care (P = .002) and medical laboratory science (P = .009); and medical laboratory science educators ranked pressure from institution hierarchy as a significantly higher motivator than did dental hygiene educators (P = .005) and medical imaging and radiation therapy educators (P = .043). Thematic analyses revealed that participants consider collaboration to be a motivating factor to engage in scholarship; employer support measures should include guidance with grant writing and funding; and barriers that limit productivity include a lack of time, program faculty, and understanding where to begin. DISCUSSION: Initiatives such as mentoring programs should be implemented to promote collaborative efforts among medical imaging and radiation therapy educators to increase productivity in scholarship, particularly in peer-reviewed publications, and minimize potential barriers. In addition, the ASRT Foundation created new grant tiers for radiologic technologists and radiation therapists who have an interest in conducting research and publishing their results. This opportunity can advance scholarly productivity in the profession. CONCLUSION: Communicating the value of scholarship engagement to medical imaging and radiation therapy educators is important so that the profession can advance to its full potential as a distinct allied health profession.

Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals' Perceptions of Publishing in Academic Journals.

PURPOSE: To explore medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals' perceptions of publishing in academic journals. METHODS: Using a descriptive survey approach, a random sample of American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) members was invited to share their experiences with publishing, including motivating factors, perceived challenges, and support measures to benefit new writers. Percentages and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: There were 261 completed responses analyzed for this study. The majority (141, 54%) of the participants thought it was very important to publish in academic journals; however, only 26 (10%) of the participants indicated that they had published an article in an academic journal. Of the remaining 235 participants, 42 (17.9%) stated that they were interested in publishing an article in an academic journal. DISCUSSION: Participants who had publishing experience were motivated by personal satisfaction and gratification, and participants who expressed an interest in publishing indicated they would be motivated to do so by having an improved understanding of the publication process. Both groups indicated that lacking the time to write was the greatest perceived barrier to publishing. In addition, participants who had published thought writing with an experienced author would be most beneficial to new authors, while participants who were interested in publishing thought attending a technical writing workshop would be most beneficial to new writers. CONCLUSION: To increase the number of published articles in the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession, organizations like the ASRT should consider establishing or increasing programs that support medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals in their writing and publishing endeavors.

Occupational Injuries Involving Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals.

PURPOSE: To determine the types of occupational injuries medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals experience in addition to the length of medical leave of absence, receipt of financial compensation, and ability to perform the same job duties on returning to work. METHODS: Using a quantitative approach, a random sample of 10 000 American Society of Radiologic Technologists members was invited to complete a survey detailing occupational injuries experienced while working as a medical imaging or radiation therapy professional. Data were collected using Qualtrics and analyzed with IBM's SPSS. RESULTS: Of the 401 participants in this study, more than half (251, 62.6%) experienced occupational injuries, with the majority of those being muscular injuries (205, 81.7%). Of the 251 participants who experienced an occupational injury, 109 (43.4%) reported a medical leave of absence of less than 1 week, 61 (24.3%) received financial assistance from their employer, and 231 (92%) indicated they were able to resume their previous job duties on returning to work. DISCUSSION: Many study participants acknowledged that despite being injured they continued to work impaired without taking a medical leave of absence or did not report the injury to administration or risk management. Impaired employees can further aggravate pre-existing medical conditions and possibly trigger a permanent disability or chronic ailment by continuing to perform the same work activities as when they were injured initially. Department managers and supervisors should encourage medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals to report all injuries so that appropriate measures (eg, informing risk management, filing a workers' compensation claim, or modifying job responsibilities) can be initiated. CONCLUSION: Additional research is warranted to explore strategies for preventing or decreasing the incidence of occupational injuries in the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession that can be implemented individually (eg, practicing proper patient handling techniques) or organizationally (eg, staffing an appropriate number of personnel for the workload).

Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals' Perceptions of Conducting Research.

PURPOSE: To evaluate medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals' perceptions of conducting research. METHODS: Using a descriptive survey approach, a random sample of 10 000 American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) members was invited to share their experiences with conducting research, including challenges, reasons for not engaging in research, potential motivators, and support measures that would enhance their ability to conduct research in the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession. Three hundred ninety completed responses were analyzed for this study. RESULTS: The majority (284, 72.8%) of the participants had no knowledge of or were slightly knowledgeable of the research process, and more than 75% of the participants did not feel prepared or felt they were only slightly prepared to conduct research. However, 257 (65.9%) of the participants believed it was very important to conduct research to advance the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession. Eighty-eight participants who indicated that they had conducted research named collecting data (34, 38.6%) and analyzing the results (20, 22.7%) as their greatest barriers. Participants who had not conducted research (302, 77.4%) said that the main reason was because it was not required in their current position (193, 63.9%). More than half of participants indicated that having time allocated to conduct research, conducting research with an experienced individual, collaborating with a research mentor, and attending continuing education were support measures that might enable them to conduct research. DISCUSSION: It is essential that medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals be aware of the importance of conducting research and participating in scholarly activities so that the profession can advance as a distinct allied health discipline. Opportunities to increase or improve research endeavors in the profession include encouraging professionals to publish and present their research results, allocating time and resources to conduct research, and providing research mentorships. CONCLUSION: Increasing or improving the research being conducted among medical imaging technologists and radiation therapists and making such endeavors a priority can advance the profession and lead to better service to patients.

Confidence and proficiency levels of medical dosimetry graduates.

The purpose of this study was to examine the confidence and proficiency levels of medical dosimetry graduates as they transition from student to professional during their first employment as medical dosimetrists. In addition, this study explored the support provided by employers to assist those medical dosimetry graduates during this transitional period. With assistance from the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB), individuals who graduated from a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredited medical dosimetry program between 2011 and 2018 and earned MDCB certification between 2012 and 2018 were invited to complete an original survey detailing their experiences during their first employment as medical dosimetrists. Data were collected using Qualtrics and analyzed with IBM's SPSS. Most (93, 56.7%) participants indicated a moderate confidence level in their abilities to function as medical dosimetrists and suggested it took approximately 6 months (56, 34.1%) to feel confident in their role as medical dosimetrists in the professional clinical setting. Regarding treatment planning techniques, participants indicated low proficiency levels in proton beam and brachytherapy plans and high proficiency levels in 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, and electron beam plans. These findings suggest that educators should consider strengthening curricula and offering additional clinical rotations specific to those areas that lacked proficiency. Most (128, 78.0%) did not complete a dosimetry-specific new employee training program, but believed such support would have been somewhat helpful (44, 34.4%) during their transition from student to professional. Hiring managers and dosimetry supervisors may find it beneficial to implement support measures to assist medical dosimetry graduates as they transition from student to professional.