Anatomic Site Markers: Evaluation of Their Use among Maltese Radiographers

Attard, Stephanie, Couto, Jose G, MacKay, Stuart ORCID: 0000-0002-3451-6676 and Zarb, Francis (2017) Anatomic Site Markers: Evaluation of Their Use among Maltese Radiographers. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL IMAGING AND RADIATION SCIENCES, 48 (1). pp. 30-38.

Text Attard et al Use of anatomical side markers in Maltese radiographers Nov 2016.docx - Author Accepted Manuscript Download (204kB)

Abstract

<h4>Purpose</h4>To evaluate the perception and 5-year application of anatomic side markers (ASMs) by radiographers in Malta.<h4>Methods and materials</h4>Phase 1 involved a longitudinal, retrospective observation of a stratified sample of radiographs over 5 years, using a self-designed data record sheet to record features of the placement of ASMs. Phase 2 consisted of a cross-sectional, prospective self-designed questionnaire evaluating the radiographers' perception on the use of ASMs in professional practice.<h4>Results</h4>In phase 1, radiographs (n = 500) were selected from 234,105 taken over the 5-year period (error: ±4.38%; 95% confidence level). Four hundred thirty radiographs (86%) had evidence of markers, of which 110 (25.6%) had a pre-exposure marker and 320 (74.4%) had a postprocessed marker. The remaining 14% had no evidence of any markers. Two hundred eighty two (56.4%) of the radiographs had ASMs placed according to recommended guidelines by Ballinger, Frank, and Merrill. In phase 2, most radiographers (84.6%) preferred using postprocessing markers, with 15.4% preferring pre-exposure markers (76.6% of radiographers found applying pre-exposure markers time consuming). Sixty percent (60.5%) of radiographers gave correct answers on use of markers as recommended in the guidelines.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Radiographer preference in using postprocessing markers was evident, while the use of pre-exposure markers was seen to be influenced by time of examination, projection executed, and patient positioning. Radiographer awareness and continuous training are recommended.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Anatomic side markers, x-ray marker, lead markers, image quality labeling, best practice
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	02 Dec 2016 11:24
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2023 07:24
DOI:	10.1016/j.jmir.2016.08.006
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3004729