Radiography is a constantly changing environment that is continuously evolving with new technology and new techniques on how to image human anatomy. This has led to cheaper and easier ways of imaging that present an opportunity for radiographers to practice independently from radiologists. The increase in the number of radiographers going into private practice since 2006 has led to a number of private radiography practices failing due to competition and other management and financial factors. This study seeks to provide insight into the changing environment of private radiographic practice and the level of success it can bring to radiographers. This will enable radiographers to better determine their personal and professional development needs, which will effectively improve their ability to manage and sustain private radiographic practices. This approach stems from the researcher’s belief that with the right skill and knowledge radiographers can run successful private practices and in so doing be able to empower others to do the same. The researcher has chosen to carry out a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design in order to explore and describe the detailed recommendations and views of private radiographic practice owners and how they manage their practices. The chosen method of data collection for this study is individual one-on-one interviews supported by a literature control. The one-on-one interview was used to collect the data from participants who meet the inclusion criteria. The researcher purposively selected participants to ensure that their ideas and opinions will benefit the study. The chosen method of data analysis is Tesch’s data analysis approach as it follows the qualitative way of data analysis which occurs in three phases: description, analysis, and interpretation. This research made use of Guba’s trustworthiness model to establish the validity and reliability of the qualitative research. The four criteria in this model for trustworthiness are truth-value by using the qualitative approach of credibility; applicability determined by using transferability; consistency determined by using the qualitative approach of dependability and, finally, neutrality determined by the qualitative approach to confirmability. The following six (6) ethical principles were followed to ensure no harm came to the participants: beneficence and non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, veracity, confidentiality and privacy. On completion of the study, the researcher made recommendations based on the findings for inclusion in basic radiographic training and continuous professional development. These recommendations are: Complete reviewing of the management training syllabus in radiography education. Compilation of literature that deals with private practice radiography. Inclusion of private practice radiographers in radiography societies. Further research into the subject of private practice radiography. This will allow for the knowledge contained in the study to be accessible to those who need it. It is also important to note that a study of this nature has never been conducted and therefore sharing of this information will allow for radiographers to know and understand what sustaining a private radiographic practice involves. The findings will be disseminated in seminars, conferences and publications.

The professional work of a radiographer encompasses both patient care and the use of technology. The technology employed could either be analogue or digital technology. Since 1973, the analogue imaging system has slowly been replaced by digital radiography imaging systems. Despite the many advantages of digital imaging it does present the radiographer with added responsibilities. Furthermore, analogue-trained radiographers have found adjusting to digital imaging especially challenging. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers utilising digital imaging in projection radiography with the intention of developing guidelines to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. The researcher used Schlossberg’s Transition Theory as a lens to look at the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers using digital imaging to produce radiographs. The research study used a qualitative design which was explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The target population included all diagnostic radiographers (public and private) in the local municipality who were registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Purposive sampling was employed to select the radiographers that represented all radiographers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. The sample included all radiographers who fulfilled the identified selection criteria. The selected participants were recruited to take part in in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews. The data was analysed using a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software package, ATLAS.ti. The trustworthiness of this study was ensured by applying Guba’s model of trustworthiness that includes credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. The ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence and justice, as espoused by the Belmont Report, were adhered to in order to ensure that the study was conducted in an ethical manner. Two themes emanated from the data, namely the evolution of the radiographer when faced with the advances in technology as well the role that the work environment played in the manner that the participants experienced the change. The experiences of the participants were described using direct quotations from the interviews and a literature control was used to verify the participants’ experiences. Evidence was found of radiographer indifference towards exposure selection, dose optimisation and placement of anatomical side markers when utilising digital imaging. Finally, guidelines were developed to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. In addition, the guidelines will assist all other radiographers to better utilise digital imaging.

M.Tech. (Radiography) / The ability to think critically is a vital skill for health care professionals in an era of rapidly advancing technology. Critical thinking skills improve problem solving ability, quality of clinical service and efficiency in delivering a clinical service. Although no specific curriculum exists within the Department of Radiography for teaching critical thinking, assessments given to students progress from the lower levels of learning, which include knowledge and understanding of information in first year, to the higher levels of learning, which include analysis, synthesis and evaluation in third year. The status of the students’ ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills needed to be explored for the Department of Radiography to develop a more explicit curriculum to facilitate these skills. The research question that arose was: To what extent could third-year radiography students demonstrate critical thinking skills and how can the design and delivery of the new professional bachelor’s degree be adapted to make provision for and best facilitate the teaching of these skills? The aim of this descriptive exploratory study was to determine the ability of third-year radiography students at a comprehensive university in Gauteng, South Africa, to think critically. The study employs a descriptive exploratory design. The participants responses to vignettes (in the form of clinical scenarios) were analyzed using a Likert scale and action verbs developed for evaluating evidence of critical thinking skills, providing quantitative data. Field notes were made whilst analyzing responses to each question, providing qualitative data.

M.Tech. (Radiography) / Conventional film and paper based radiology departments have been replaced by information technology at a rapid rate internationally. The leading technology is the Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) and Radiology Information System (RIS). The necessity to follow global trends has become more apparent in Africa. Simultaneously, Gauteng has now reached a stage where PACS and RIS have been widely implemented. It has been recommended that radiographers must be prepared for the change in expectations and levels of accountability required when PACS and RIS are adopted into the radiology department. The research question that arises is: What are the experiences of radiographers using PACS and RIS in Gauteng, South Africa? The aim and objectives of this explanatory sequential study was to explore and describe the experiences of radiographers using PACS and RIS in Gauteng, South Africa and to develop guidelines to facilitate the job satisfaction of radiographers in a PACS and RIS-driven radiology department. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. The explanatory design is a two-phased mixed methods design. The study began with the first, quantitative phase in which the researcher collected data from the six participating diagnostic radiology practices in the form of questionnaires. For the second phase the researcher interviewed information-rich radiographers who participated in the first phase of the data collection in focus groups. The findings, of this study, indicate that the participants in this study experience PACS and RIS in a positive manner, but that strategies could be put into place to further enhance their experience. Guidelines for facilitating job satisfaction of radiographers in a PACS and RIS-driven radiology department are suggested

Digital radiographic images are created by a variety of diagnostic imaging modalities. A multi-modality workstation, known as the Arizona Viewing Console (AVC), was designed and built by the University of Arizona Radiology Department to support research in radiographic image processing and image display. Two specially designed VMEbus components, the base image memory and the video display memory, were integrated into the AVC and are the subject of this thesis. The base image memory is a multi-ported, 8 megabyte memory array based on random access memory used for raw image storage. It supports a 10 megapixel per second image processor and can interface to a 320 megabit per second network. The video display memory utilizes video memories and is capable of displaying two independent high resolution images, each 1024 pixels by 1536 lines, on separate video monitors. In part, these two memory designs have allowed the AVC to excel as a radiographic image workstation.

Thesis (M. Tech.) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2007

The information transfer efficiency of any quantum detection imaging system can be described by a unique measure: the detective quantum efficiency {DQE(f)}, which is a function of the statistically independent frequency channels. The DQE(f) is a combined descriptor which takes into account the signal transfer as well as noise transfer properties of a complete system. For a complicated multistage imaging system, each system component contributes noise. In this dissertation, physical and mathematical models for noise analysis are developed and verified experimentally with an x-ray image intensifier (XRII)-based imaging system. In such a system, the DQE at low frequency range is primarily determined by the x-ray detection and scintillation processes at the CsI layer of the XRII. The effects of x-ray photon energy and sensor layer thickness on DQE are measured in detail. Numerical calculations based on a physical model of x-ray interactions show a general agreement with the experimental data. At higher frequencies, the DQE behavior becomes more complicated. A mathematical model which combines the micro-image properties and noise statistics is formulated to analyze the noise power spectrum (NPS) of a linear n-stage imaging system. Measurement of NPS components of an XRII system verifies the validity of this analytical prediction. The associated image transfer properties are also measured with emphasis on the effect of signal-induced background on the image information transfer. The low frequency data derived from these image property measurements show further agreement with the numerical calculations based on the physical model. As a result of this predictability of information transfer efficiency, system gain and recording capacity are emphasized in the design consideration of a projected high performance XRII radiographic system.

Submitted in fulfillment of Masters in Radiography, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 2007. / Aim/research questions The aim of the study was to evaluate CT-based treatment planning versus digitised image planning (standard planning technique) for carcinoma of the breast, using the four-field breast technique, in terms of the depth of supraclavicular and axillary nodes, the variability of the breast tissue and the dose inhomogeneity at the matchline. The variability of the depth of supraclavicular and axillary nodes has not been documented in any local or national studies. When simulating patients for treatment, it is evident that the anatomical variability of patient chest wall thickness, shape and size is a contributing factor towards the final treatment plan and dose distribution achieved. Therefore knowing the correct depth of the nodes and being able to clearly demarcate the breast tissue should result in a favourable dose administration. The following questions were addressed:  What is the dose to the supraclavicular nodes from both plans?  What is the dose to the axillary nodes from both plans?  How do the plans differ in terms of dose coverage to the supraclavicular and axillary nodes?  What is the relationship between the depth of the supraclavicular nodes and the patient separation? ii  What is the relationship between the depth of the axillary nodes and the patient separation?  Does the target volume receive adequate dose coverage from the plans?  How is dose to the heart volume affected by target coverage on both plans?  How is dose to the lung volume affected by target coverage on both plans?  What is the dose variability along the matchline?  Are the plans over dosing?  Are the plans under dosing? / M

Thesis submitted in full compliance with the requirements for the Masters in Technology Degree: Radiography, Durban University of Technology, 2006. / This study aimed at determining and evaluating the prevalence of gallstones in the Black population of District 28 (D28) in relation to age, gender, diet and body mass index (BMI) in order to identify people at high risk and advise them so that they can avoid the complications and decrease the morbidity rate. Blacks are thought to have increased prevalence of gallstones but there has been no systematic evaluation of its prevalence in D28. METHODS AND MATERIALS 389 Black people from D28 were selected from referrals (for many different radiological examinations) coming to the X-ray and ultrasound departments. Some of the respondents were staff members who also met the selection criteria for the study. An interview was conducted at Ngwelezane hospital using a structured questionnaire on health, social and diet history of the respondents. All information was entered into the data sheet. All respondents were then scanned using Mid-range ultrasound machines to establish the presence of gallstones and this information was thereafter documented on the data sheet. SPSS version 11.5 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, III) was used for data analysis. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the Epitable module of Epi Info version 6.04 (CDC, 2001). Pearson's Chi square tests were used to assess associations between categorical variables and gall stones. Logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the independent effects of multiple risk factors on the development of gallstones. Backwards elimination method based on likelihood ratios was used with entry and exit probabilities set at 0.05 and 0.1 respectively / M

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