Survey of Radiographer abnormality detection system (RADS) - Ability of Professional & to be radiographers

Abstract

Introduction: Radiographer Abnormality Detection System (RADS), involves ‘Red Dot System’ in which radiographers affixing a red sticker/red-dot/star to a radiograph, highlighting the presence of acute abnormality on radiographs in the emergency settings and communicating to the referring doctor about the identification of that abnormality. However, its use India is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability and skills of radiographers in SGT Hospital (India) in detecting abnormality on multi-modalities such as X-ray, Mammography, CT Scan, MRI and  Ultrasound and additional training is required for radiographers to participate in above mentioned system which may be helpful in emergencies. Aim: The aim of this study was to survey the professional radiographers and PG students about Radiographer Abnormality Detection System (RADS) at Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary (SGT) Medical College, Hospital & Research Institute, Gurugram, Haryana. Material and Methods: A survey was conducted, in which a cross‐sectional questionnaire form was developed that contained 24 questions and data were collected from 9 professional radiographers and 23 PG students in the department of Radio-Diagnosis and Imaging at SGT Hospital (India). The radiographers include professional radiographers who have completed their diploma or bachelor’s degree and are currently working as professional radiographers and post graduate students (to be radiographers) who are pursuing their masters degree and have completed the bachelor’s degree in the respective field. Out of all, two radiographers had the qualification of diploma and rest of seven had the degree of bachelor’s in the respective department and one amongst them were also pursuing their master’s degree simultaneously. The results of this survey were analysed using conventional descriptive statistics of response frequencies, quantitative & comparative analysis and percentage of the sample. Result: A filled questionnaire form were received from 32 participants 75% (n=24/32) showed satisfaction that RADS will be beneficial with 96.8% response rate in which 59.3% (n=19/32) were agreed & 37.5% (n=12/32) were strongly agreed that necessary steps should be taken for the implementation of RADS in India, while 25% (n=8/32) did not know about RADS and hence not mentioned any suggestions. Conclusion: The study found that information about Radiographer Abnormality Detection (RADS) can play a significant role in providing competent and skilled radiographers in future, who can provide good facilities and serve well to patients. This finding presents that establishment of RADS in India may help them to improve the knowledge with diagnostic proficiency and aid to save patient lives in emergencies. Radiographer commenting acts as a conduit in emergency situations for communication between radiographers and the referring doctor/radiologist as an emergency team. Furthermore, there is a need for implementation of RADS in India as it will provide skilled radiographers beneficial for patients during emergencies and night hours.

Keywords: emergency, patient care, Radiographer Commenting, RADS, red‐dot system, health care settings