Research activity among diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers: An international survey.

INTRODUCTION: Various national solutions have been considered and implemented to address the factors which limit radiographer engagement in conducting research. Nevertheless, national literature continues to suggest that radiographer engagement in research remains low. The aim of this study was to extend the existing evidence base by conducting an international survey to assess diagnostic radiographers and therapeutic radiographers involvement with, barriers to and support mechanisms for research. METHODS: Data collection was obtained via an online questionnaire which was distributed by the International Society of Radiographers and Radiologic Technologists (ISRRT). The study population included an international sample of qualified diagnostic radiographers and therapeutic radiographers across clinical and academic contexts in a variety of different roles such as clinical practice, management, education and research. RESULTS: In total, 420 diagnostic radiographers and therapeutic radiographers completed the survey. Multiple reasons were identified that were considered to inhibit respondents from conducting research. 69.3% indicated a combination of reasons for lack of engagement with research, rather than one single issue. Examples of reasons include: lack of time, insufficient research funding, limited research expertise, and lack of a suitable mentorship scheme. CONCLUSION: A minor segment of survey respondents indicated involvement in research activity. Lack of dedicated time to research, mentors, and funding were among the main barriers to conduct research. Further research is required to explore what solutions are available to overcoming the barriers.

Variations in Hook of Hamate Morphology: A Cadaveric Analysis.

PURPOSE: The hook of the hamate is an anatomical structure that separates the ulnar border of the carpal tunnel from Guyon's canal and serves as a landmark for surgeons. The hook of the hamate is also subject to fracture from injury. We hypothesize that there are variations in the hook of the hamate in the general population. METHODS: One thousand pairs of hamates (2,000 hamates) from the Hamann-Todd Collection at the Cleveland Natural History Museum were analyzed. The height of the hook of the hamate and the total height of the hamate bone were measured using digital calipers. The hook height ratio was defined as the hook height divided by the total height of the hamate. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired Student's t test to determine differences in sex and race. RESULTS: The mean hook height was 9.8 ± 1.4 mm (range, 2.5-15.9 mm), whereas the mean hook height ratio was 0.42 ± 0.04 (range, 0.15-0.56). There was a 3.1% (62/2,000) incidence of abnormally small hooks, which we classified as hypoplastic and aplastic. Of the hypoplastic hooks, 55% (24/44) were bilateral, whereas 44% (8/18) of the aplastic hooks were bilateral. The incidence of variation in size in the hook of the hamate was highest in white females (9.3%) and lowest in black males (1.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormalities in hook of hamate anatomy are common in the general population, especially in white females. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of anatomic variation in the hook of the hamate may provide additional insight into surgeons' palpation of bony anatomy, interpretation of imaging studies, and use of the hook as a landmark during surgery.

Preliminary report from the World Health Organisation Chest Radiography in Epidemiological Studies project.

Childhood pneumonia is among the leading infectious causes of mortality in children younger than 5 years of age globally. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is the leading infectious cause of childhood bacterial pneumonia. The diagnosis of childhood pneumonia remains a critical epidemiological task for monitoring vaccine and treatment program effectiveness. The chest radiograph remains the most readily available and common imaging modality to assess childhood pneumonia. In 1997, the World Health Organization Radiology Working Group was established to provide a consensus method for the standardized definition for the interpretation of pediatric frontal chest radiographs, for use in bacterial vaccine efficacy trials in children. The definition was not designed for use in individual patient clinical management because of its emphasis on specificity at the expense of sensitivity. These definitions and endpoint conclusions were published in 2001 and an analysis of observer variation for these conclusions using a reference library of chest radiographs was published in 2005. In response to the technical needs identified through subsequent meetings, the World Health Organization Chest Radiography in Epidemiological Studies (CRES) project was initiated and is designed to be a continuation of the World Health Organization Radiology Working Group. The aims of the World Health Organization CRES project are to clarify the definitions used in the World Health Organization defined standardized interpretation of pediatric chest radiographs in bacterial vaccine impact and pneumonia epidemiological studies, reinforce the focus on reproducible chest radiograph readings, provide training and support with World Health Organization defined standardized interpretation of chest radiographs and develop guidelines and tools for investigators and site staff to assist in obtaining high-quality chest radiographs.