This study discusses reject film analyses (RFAs) before and after the implementation of a quality improvement intervention. RFAs were undertaken to investigate the effect of the introduction and use of exposure charts (ECs) on department and student reject rates of extremity radiographs. Methods: A quantitative comparative pre and post-treatment research design was used. Data was collected from the x-ray departments of two training hospitals in Windhoek, Namibia over a five month period. A retrospective RFA was conducted to determine the department and student reject rates for both departments before intervention. Emphasis was placed on exposure related reject films. ECs were compiled and introduced at Katutura State Hospital (venue B) by the researcher. The students were instructed to use these charts. At Windhoek Central Hospital (venue A) no ECs were used. A prospective RFA was conducted to establish department and student reject rates at both hospitals after the intervention at venue B. Results: During the retrospective phase the department reject rate for venue A was 21 percent while the student reject rate was 23 percent. At venue B 24 percent and 26 percent were scored respectively. Students at venue A produced rejected radiographs due to overexposure (49 percent) and underexposure (23 percent), whilst 37 percent was recorded for both causes at venue B. At venue A, 35 percent of films were rejected due to incorrect mAs selection, at venue B the figure was 42 percent. Undiagnostic radiographs due to inaccurate kV selection comprised 62 percent for venue A and 59 percent for venue B. During the prospective phase the department reject rate for venue A was 20 percent and that of the students was 19 percent. For venue B 12 percent and 11 percent were scored respectively. At venue A radiographs rejected due to over and underexposure were 43 percent and 33 percent respectively while those at venue B were 33 percent and 34 percent. Incorrect mAs selection caused 33 percent of discarded films at venue A and 38 percent at venue B. The figures for inaccurate kV selection were 68 percent and 62 percent for venues A and B. Conclusions: The introduction and use of ECs lowered the student reject rate at venue B in the prospective phase.

The focus of this study was on the problem of unwarranted demand for radiological imaging by patients in rural KZN of South Africa. Literature in the context of this topic is scarce. Consequently the aim of this study was to describe sociodemographic factors that might influence patients demand for x-ray examinations. A quantitative in the form of a cross sectional survey was done. A convenient sample of 110 patients was surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Results of the study indicate that age, and educational level might influence patients’ demand for x-ray examinations. The study also revealed that very few respondents 10.9% (n=12) had knowledge about x-rays. The study further revealed that there might be other factors such as patients’ perceived benefits of x-rays, beliefs, lack of public health awareness as well as lack of effective communication between patients and health care providers. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

The focus of this study was on the problem of unwarranted demand for radiological imaging by patients in rural KZN of South Africa. Literature in the context of this topic is scarce. Consequently the aim of this study was to describe sociodemographic factors that might influence patients demand for x-ray examinations. A quantitative in the form of a cross sectional survey was done. A convenient sample of 110 patients was surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Results of the study indicate that age, and educational level might influence patients’ demand for x-ray examinations. The study also revealed that very few respondents 10.9% (n=12) had knowledge about x-rays. The study further revealed that there might be other factors such as patients’ perceived benefits of x-rays, beliefs, lack of public health awareness as well as lack of effective communication between patients and health care providers. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Text in English / The contribution of general diagnostic imaging in the diagnosis and clinical management of patients in rural hospitals of South Africa is enormous. To provide high quality diagnostic imaging services for specific contexts requires radiographers who have up-to-date skills and expertise. Thus, rural radiographers require, over and above traditional radiographic expertise, additional competencies which are unique to rural practice. To date, however, little is known about additional core competencies and skills needed by radiographers working in rural areas. Previous studies have focused more attention primarily on other rural health professionals such as doctors and nurses. The aim of this mixed methods study was to investigate and identify additional core competencies required by radiographers working in rural district hospitals of KZN in order to propose a CPD strategy aimed at rural radiographers. An exploratory sequential design was utilised. There were seven participants in the qualitative phase of the study. In the quantitative phase a convenient sample of 109 respondents was surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Three major themes and seven categories emerged from Phase I of the study. These themes and categories were then used to develop a data collection instrument for Phase II of the study. Collectively, the findings of this mixed methods research revealed that there were a number of additional core competencies such as, but not limited to, teamwork, ability to do basic obstetric ultrasound scans, leadership, management, attitude and behaviours, and reporting on plain x-ray films, all of which are required by rural radiographers. Supporting evidence from the study indicated that the majority of these competencies were either partially or not at all covered in the audited curriculum. The study further revealed that the audited curriculum and the scope of radiography in its current form appear to focus attention on minimum competencies that do not promote the expansion and extension of the role of radiographers in rural areas. The study results also revealed a number of challenges faced by rural radiographers. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)