Context: Academic tenure is important to most educators, including those in the radiologic scienc... more Context: Academic tenure is important to most educators, including those in the radiologic sciences; however, many factors can influence an educator's ability to attain tenure. Objective: This article empirically examines the concept of tenure among radiologic science educators using data from a national survey of registered radiologic technology educators. Results: Greater proportions of tenured and tenure-eligible faculty held higher academic rank, had higher levels of education and were employed by 2- and 4-year colleges or universities compared with nontenure-track faculty. Also, tenured R.T. educators tended to be older than tenure-eligible and nontenure-track faculty. Summary: R.T. educators are a diverse group, and attention should focus on the individual needs of educators in a variety of professional settings.
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of physician and nonphysician cardiac catherization laboratory pe... more Purpose: To evaluate the effect of physician and nonphysician cardiac catherization laboratory personnel on the treatment of myocardial infarction. Methods: Admissions data from 4 Las Vegas, Nevada hospitals were analyzed via multivariate regression analysis to determine predictors of reperfusion times. The goal for reperfusion is a door-to-balloon time of less than 90 minutes. Results: Prehospital ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) activation, cardiologist arrival time, lifesaving measures, door-to-electrocardiogram (ECG) time, time and day, critical diagnostic examinations, and door-to-first-medical-doctor time all significantly affected door-to-balloon time. However, cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) staff arrival time did not affect door-to-balloon time. Discussion: This study confirms the well-established importance of prehospital ECG and STEMI protocol activation. The results also indicate the importance of cardiologist arrival time on reperfusion times as this explained a significant amount of the explained variance in door-to-balloon time. CCL team arrival time did not affect door-to-balloon time, dispelling a long-held belief that reducing the response time of the CCL team significantly reduced reperfusion times. Conclusion: Although cardiologist arrival time influenced door-to-balloon time, CCL staff arrival time did not. Programs to provide greater laboratory coverage might help improve reperfusion times as well as assist STEMI program coordinators in developing more efficient protocols.
Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Dec 26, 2022
Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify the organizational commitment of sonograph... more Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify the organizational commitment of sonographers and determine factors influencing their connection or bond with their employer. Materials and Methods: One thousand nationally credentialed sonographers and vascular technologists in the mid-Atlantic region were surveyed using a systematic sampling model. Measurement tools included the Affective, Continuance, and Normative Commitment Scales. Descriptive and inferential statistics based on stepwise regression were used to define organizational commitment levels and the impact of sociodemographic characteristics on organizational commitment. Results: Of the 1000 surveys mailed, 110 usable surveys were returned (11% response rate). Affective, continuance, and normative commitment scores were 4.30, 4.62, and 3.46 out of 7, respectively. Results showed living in Pennsylvania, years at current organization, being a registered cardiac sonographer, and being unmarried had a statistically significant impact upon the variance in sonographers’ organizational commitment scores. Conclusion: Sonographers indicated feeling little obligation to remain with the employer but may do so because of the perceived costs of leaving. As a result, sonographers’ performance, work behavior, and attendance may be affected negatively. Factors such as locale, marital status, work tenure, and registration as a cardiac sonographer impact sonographers’ organizational commitment.
Objective: To determine process factors impacting myocardial infarction reperfusion time. Backgro... more Objective: To determine process factors impacting myocardial infarction reperfusion time. Background: An ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a life-threatening condition that necessitates emergent medical treatment; longer reperfusion times are associated with negative patient outcomes. Therefore, time is critical in the treatment of a STEMI. Methods: Admissions data from Las Vegas hospitals were analyzed via multivariate regression analysis to determine predictors of reperfusion times. The analysis was based on 618 patients presenting with a diagnosis of STEMI at participating facilities from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017. The dependent variable was door to balloon time; independent variables included the mode of arrival, regular vs off hours, pre-hospital electrocardiogram (ECG), the use of pre-hospital activation of the STEMI protocol, door to triage time, door to ECG time, door to first physician contact time, cardiologist arrival time, cardiac catheterization lab team arrival time, lifesaving measures prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), critical diagnostic exams prior to PCI, and anatomical variances causing PCI delay. Results: Prehospital STEMI activation, cardiologist arrival time, lifesaving measures, door to ECG time, time/day, critical diagnostics exams, and door to first MD time all had a statistically significant impact on door-to-balloon time (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Timely identification of STEMI patients via ECG and activation of the STEMI protocol is paramount to shorten time to heart vessel reperfusion. However, this study indicates that some process factors indicated previously to impact reperfusion times did not have significantly effects in this study sample.
PROCESS FACTORS AFFECTING REPERFUSION TIME IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH ST-SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCA... more PROCESS FACTORS AFFECTING REPERFUSION TIME IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH ST-SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION (STEMI) By Richard R. Wall MSRS, RT(R)(CT)(CI), RCIS A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2020. Dissertation Chair: Jeffrey S. Legg Ph.D. Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Radiation Sciences An ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) occurs when the blood flow to the myocardium is suddenly and completely blocked causing the myocardium to become ischemic. A STEMI is a life-threatening condition that necessitates emergent medical treatment. Research has shown that longer reperfusion times are associated with negative patient outcomes. Therefore, time is critical in the treatment of a STEMI. The purpose of this study was to analyze the process factors involved with the identification and treatment of a STEMI and to develop ...
Women with a previous history of breast cancer are at increased risk for developing cancer in the... more Women with a previous history of breast cancer are at increased risk for developing cancer in the opposite breast. However, the literature is inconsistent regarding whether a previous history of breast cancer is associated positively with mammography utilization. Some studies indicate that women with a previous history of breast cancer are less likely to utilize mammography, although behavioral models of health care theorize that women with a history of breast cancer may be more vigilant regarding the disease. We analyzed responses from 830 women &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or =50 years who participated in the 1998 National Health Interview Survey. A significantly greater proportion of women with breast cancer reported had a mammogram in the previous year (73.13%) as compared with women who did not have breast cancer (56.69%). Although a previous history of breast cancer was found to be associated positively with mammography use, women with public sources of health insurance are less likely to report mammography use. Results indicate that women with a previous history of breast cancer appear aware of the necessity for continued screening. However, enabling factors such as type of health insurance continue to exert an influence upon the utilization of mammography.
Objective: To describe perceptions of patient safety culture (PSC) among US vascular intervention... more Objective: To describe perceptions of patient safety culture (PSC) among US vascular interventional technologists (VIR). Methods: A letter to complete The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture online was distributed in the US to all full-time American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)-registered technologists with a primary discipline of cardiac-interventional or vascular interventional (n=3,184). Mean scores on each PSC dimension and overall outcome measures were calculated. Results: The response rate was 13.7% (n=437) for the entire universe of ARRT-registered VIR technologists working full-time. Overall, respondents ranked the following dimensions as supporting patient safety within their respective institution: supervisor/manager promotion of patient safety, staffing, hospital handoffs/transitions, and teamwork within units. Neutral perceptions focused on teamwork across hospital units, hospital management's support for patient safety, and nonpunitive response to errors. Conclusion: For this population, teamwork across hospital units and administrative support for a culture of safety should be addressed. With almost 20' of respondents rating their institutions with an overall safety grade of C or below, there is clearly a need for further investigation of patient safety issues within VIR departments to confirm these findings and to expand the scope of inquiry to other radiologic science professionals.
Purpose: To explore whether patient-reported demographics and hospital classifications were signi... more Purpose: To explore whether patient-reported demographics and hospital classifications were significant factors in the likelihood that a computed tomography (CT) scan of the head would be ordered for nontraumatic headaches. Methods: Nonexperimental, cross-sectional analysis was performed on a database that included 18 279 patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Information included in the analysis was diagnosis of a generalized, nontraumatic headache; patient age and sex; the treating hospital's profit status (ie, for-profit vs nonprofit); status of the hospital as a teaching institution; hospital location (ie, rural vs suburban and urban); diagnostic procedures ordered; and patient's insurance coverage (commercial insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid). Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and binary logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Approximately 10% of patients who presented to EDs with a chief complaint of headache received a diagnostic head CT scan. Patient age proved to be the only significant variable in the analysis (P ≤ .001). Hospital's teaching status, classification as rural or suburban and urban, and profit status were not significant factors in determining the likelihood of a head CT being performed, nor were any other demographic variables studied. Discussion: Radiologic procedure expenditures have increased more than any other physician service in the past 2 decades. The increase in CT use warrants further research. Although the analysis did not demonstrate that hospital characteristics were a significant factor in the ordering of head CT scans for nontraumatic headaches, continued analysis should be performed because resource use in EDs is not static. Conclusion: The overall rate of CT usage in EDs in the United States has increased significantly. Understanding CT use rates is important to radiographers and policymakers when considering resource use in dynamic EDs.
Purpose: To explore the mechanisms U.S. radiologic science students use to cope with stress. Meth... more Purpose: To explore the mechanisms U.S. radiologic science students use to cope with stress. Methods: The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) was used to determine U.S. radiologic science students' coping mechanisms. The authors coupled the General Health Questionnaire with the CISS to determine whether a higher propensity for emotional distress revealed differences in coping mechanisms. Along with descriptive statistics, t tests were employed to determine whether differences existed in task, emotion, and avoidance coping mechanisms between women and men and within sex groups. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the sexes for adaptive task-oriented coping and maladaptive emotion-based coping; however, more men (82.8%) than women (71.2%) used avoidance coping. Women with higher levels of emotional distress more frequently used maladaptive emotion-based and avoidance coping mechanisms than did those with lower levels of emotional distress. Men with higher levels of emotional distress more frequently used maladaptive emotion-based coping than did those with lower levels of emotional distress. Discussion: Helping students distinguish between healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms might allow them to become more efficient and healthy members of their professional communities. Establishing that those who are at a high risk for emotional distress often display maladaptive coping mechanisms might provide a catalyst for intervention. Conclusion: Finding and promoting resources that teach and encourage students to use task-oriented coping skills could be useful in their educational and professional development.
Purpose: To assess the emotional well-being and levels of nonacademic sources of stress in radiol... more Purpose: To assess the emotional well-being and levels of nonacademic sources of stress in radiologic science students in the United States. Methods: Students in radiography and radiation therapy programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), a survey of personal and professional demographics and of nonacademic stressful life events. The data were used to generate a GHQ score and descriptive statistics. A Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis also were performed. Results: A total of 371 surveys were returned by 24 programs, for a 63% response rate. Thirty-eight percent of students reported a GHQ score that indicated high levels of mental distress, and 60% of students reported feeling constantly under strain. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that experiencing 1 or more stressful life events correlated with GHQ constructs that evaluate anxiety, depression, and social dysfunction. The linear regression analysis demonstrated that increasing age and increasing numbers of nonacademic sources of stress affected students' GHQ scores and emotional health. Discussion: The radiologic science students in this study reported an overall positive emotional well-being. However, nonacademic stressors affected the students negatively, and lower levels of emotional well-being were identified in older students and in those experiencing a greater number of stressful life events. Conclusion: Educators should be aware of students' educational obstacles, including the influence of nonacademic stressors, and advocate for resources to improve student emotional well-being. Helping students maintain high levels of emotional health is beneficial for their education. Future research on the development and effectiveness of stress management interventions among radiologic science students is warranted.
Patients often arrive at imaging departments on stretchers, and in certain circumstances they mus... more Patients often arrive at imaging departments on stretchers, and in certain circumstances they must remain on the stretcher for the imaging examination to reduce the likelihood of exacerbating injuries. Imaging stretcher-bound patients can be challenging, with many physical and technical variables to consider. These challenges occur because of differences between imaging a patient on a tabletop and imaging a patient on a stretcher. This article reviews the issues associated with imaging stretcher-bound patients, including the unavailability of the automatic exposure control, different grids used, geometric factors, and variability in stretcher design.
Full-time registered radiologic technologist educators were surveyed to determine their professio... more Full-time registered radiologic technologist educators were surveyed to determine their professional profile and research/scholarship productivity. Overall, research and scholarship productivity was low. More than 85% of respondents had not authored an article in a peer or nonpeer-reviewed journal, although more than half of the sample reported other scholarly activities, such as reviewing books, developing continuing education material and presenting at professional meetings. As a group, full-time educators employed in 4-year institutions and holding a higher academic degree were more productive in research and scholarship.
This article examines barriers to mammography screening and reviews the professional literature o... more This article examines barriers to mammography screening and reviews the professional literature on provider interventions to increase screening. Interventions appropriate for radiologic technologists are evaluated and discussed in an effort to expand R.T.s' role in improving mammography screening rates.
Objective: Full-time radiologic technology educators (n = 565) were surveyed to determine their d... more Objective: Full-time radiologic technology educators (n = 565) were surveyed to determine their demographic characteristics and professional profile. Results: Overall, the majority of radiologic technology educators surveyed were women between the ages of 40 and 59, had a bachelor's or master's degree, were certified in radiography and reported annual incomes from 40,001 dollars to 60,000 dollars. Most educators spent between 1 hour and 8 hours per week on classroom instruction/laboratory and in the clinical setting. Additionally, hospital or community college programs employed the majority of educators. Demographic characteristics of radiologic technology educators varied according to the type of institution in which they were employed and by education level. Conclusion: Study findings show a potential loss of qualified educators in the near future and the need for increased efforts to prepare and recruit radiologic technologists into the education career path.
This case report details the history, diagnostic workup, and follow-up of an 82-year-old dysphagi... more This case report details the history, diagnostic workup, and follow-up of an 82-year-old dysphagic African-American woman who presented for an esophagram/barium swallow study. Radiologic and endoscopic imaging results and findings are discussed. In addition, the patient's treatment regimen and follow-up care are presented to better educate the radiologic technology community.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a significant disease affecting the circulatory system. Risk f... more Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a significant disease affecting the circulatory system. Risk factors include smoking, hypertension, sex, and a possible hereditary predisposition. AAAs remain asymptomatic for years, and various imaging methods are used in their detection, diagnosis, and treatment. This article reviews the anatomy and physiology of the aorta as well as the signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and risk factors for the development of AAA. The use of ultrasonography and other imaging modalities for pre- and post-treatment is discussed, as is endovascular aortic repair.
This study investigated computed radiography (CR) image processing to determine whether variation... more This study investigated computed radiography (CR) image processing to determine whether variation exists within and among CR imaging plate readers. Photostimulable imaging plates were exposed using a phantom test tool and processed in 4 CR readers located in diverse settings in an urban academic medical center. Research results indicate daily variation of S-numbers within individual CR readers did not exceed tolerance limits, although over the 3-week study period, evidence of S-number variation within individual CR readers was mixed. In addition, S-number variability among multiple CR readers was found to be statistically significant. Although the cause of the variability remains unknown, evidence of variability among multiple CR readers indicates a need for systematic quality control.
Context: Academic tenure is important to most educators, including those in the radiologic scienc... more Context: Academic tenure is important to most educators, including those in the radiologic sciences; however, many factors can influence an educator's ability to attain tenure. Objective: This article empirically examines the concept of tenure among radiologic science educators using data from a national survey of registered radiologic technology educators. Results: Greater proportions of tenured and tenure-eligible faculty held higher academic rank, had higher levels of education and were employed by 2- and 4-year colleges or universities compared with nontenure-track faculty. Also, tenured R.T. educators tended to be older than tenure-eligible and nontenure-track faculty. Summary: R.T. educators are a diverse group, and attention should focus on the individual needs of educators in a variety of professional settings.
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of physician and nonphysician cardiac catherization laboratory pe... more Purpose: To evaluate the effect of physician and nonphysician cardiac catherization laboratory personnel on the treatment of myocardial infarction. Methods: Admissions data from 4 Las Vegas, Nevada hospitals were analyzed via multivariate regression analysis to determine predictors of reperfusion times. The goal for reperfusion is a door-to-balloon time of less than 90 minutes. Results: Prehospital ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) activation, cardiologist arrival time, lifesaving measures, door-to-electrocardiogram (ECG) time, time and day, critical diagnostic examinations, and door-to-first-medical-doctor time all significantly affected door-to-balloon time. However, cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) staff arrival time did not affect door-to-balloon time. Discussion: This study confirms the well-established importance of prehospital ECG and STEMI protocol activation. The results also indicate the importance of cardiologist arrival time on reperfusion times as this explained a significant amount of the explained variance in door-to-balloon time. CCL team arrival time did not affect door-to-balloon time, dispelling a long-held belief that reducing the response time of the CCL team significantly reduced reperfusion times. Conclusion: Although cardiologist arrival time influenced door-to-balloon time, CCL staff arrival time did not. Programs to provide greater laboratory coverage might help improve reperfusion times as well as assist STEMI program coordinators in developing more efficient protocols.
Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Dec 26, 2022
Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify the organizational commitment of sonograph... more Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify the organizational commitment of sonographers and determine factors influencing their connection or bond with their employer. Materials and Methods: One thousand nationally credentialed sonographers and vascular technologists in the mid-Atlantic region were surveyed using a systematic sampling model. Measurement tools included the Affective, Continuance, and Normative Commitment Scales. Descriptive and inferential statistics based on stepwise regression were used to define organizational commitment levels and the impact of sociodemographic characteristics on organizational commitment. Results: Of the 1000 surveys mailed, 110 usable surveys were returned (11% response rate). Affective, continuance, and normative commitment scores were 4.30, 4.62, and 3.46 out of 7, respectively. Results showed living in Pennsylvania, years at current organization, being a registered cardiac sonographer, and being unmarried had a statistically significant impact upon the variance in sonographers’ organizational commitment scores. Conclusion: Sonographers indicated feeling little obligation to remain with the employer but may do so because of the perceived costs of leaving. As a result, sonographers’ performance, work behavior, and attendance may be affected negatively. Factors such as locale, marital status, work tenure, and registration as a cardiac sonographer impact sonographers’ organizational commitment.
Objective: To determine process factors impacting myocardial infarction reperfusion time. Backgro... more Objective: To determine process factors impacting myocardial infarction reperfusion time. Background: An ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a life-threatening condition that necessitates emergent medical treatment; longer reperfusion times are associated with negative patient outcomes. Therefore, time is critical in the treatment of a STEMI. Methods: Admissions data from Las Vegas hospitals were analyzed via multivariate regression analysis to determine predictors of reperfusion times. The analysis was based on 618 patients presenting with a diagnosis of STEMI at participating facilities from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017. The dependent variable was door to balloon time; independent variables included the mode of arrival, regular vs off hours, pre-hospital electrocardiogram (ECG), the use of pre-hospital activation of the STEMI protocol, door to triage time, door to ECG time, door to first physician contact time, cardiologist arrival time, cardiac catheterization lab team arrival time, lifesaving measures prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), critical diagnostic exams prior to PCI, and anatomical variances causing PCI delay. Results: Prehospital STEMI activation, cardiologist arrival time, lifesaving measures, door to ECG time, time/day, critical diagnostics exams, and door to first MD time all had a statistically significant impact on door-to-balloon time (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Timely identification of STEMI patients via ECG and activation of the STEMI protocol is paramount to shorten time to heart vessel reperfusion. However, this study indicates that some process factors indicated previously to impact reperfusion times did not have significantly effects in this study sample.
PROCESS FACTORS AFFECTING REPERFUSION TIME IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH ST-SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCA... more PROCESS FACTORS AFFECTING REPERFUSION TIME IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH ST-SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION (STEMI) By Richard R. Wall MSRS, RT(R)(CT)(CI), RCIS A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2020. Dissertation Chair: Jeffrey S. Legg Ph.D. Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Radiation Sciences An ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) occurs when the blood flow to the myocardium is suddenly and completely blocked causing the myocardium to become ischemic. A STEMI is a life-threatening condition that necessitates emergent medical treatment. Research has shown that longer reperfusion times are associated with negative patient outcomes. Therefore, time is critical in the treatment of a STEMI. The purpose of this study was to analyze the process factors involved with the identification and treatment of a STEMI and to develop ...
Women with a previous history of breast cancer are at increased risk for developing cancer in the... more Women with a previous history of breast cancer are at increased risk for developing cancer in the opposite breast. However, the literature is inconsistent regarding whether a previous history of breast cancer is associated positively with mammography utilization. Some studies indicate that women with a previous history of breast cancer are less likely to utilize mammography, although behavioral models of health care theorize that women with a history of breast cancer may be more vigilant regarding the disease. We analyzed responses from 830 women &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or =50 years who participated in the 1998 National Health Interview Survey. A significantly greater proportion of women with breast cancer reported had a mammogram in the previous year (73.13%) as compared with women who did not have breast cancer (56.69%). Although a previous history of breast cancer was found to be associated positively with mammography use, women with public sources of health insurance are less likely to report mammography use. Results indicate that women with a previous history of breast cancer appear aware of the necessity for continued screening. However, enabling factors such as type of health insurance continue to exert an influence upon the utilization of mammography.
Objective: To describe perceptions of patient safety culture (PSC) among US vascular intervention... more Objective: To describe perceptions of patient safety culture (PSC) among US vascular interventional technologists (VIR). Methods: A letter to complete The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture online was distributed in the US to all full-time American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)-registered technologists with a primary discipline of cardiac-interventional or vascular interventional (n=3,184). Mean scores on each PSC dimension and overall outcome measures were calculated. Results: The response rate was 13.7% (n=437) for the entire universe of ARRT-registered VIR technologists working full-time. Overall, respondents ranked the following dimensions as supporting patient safety within their respective institution: supervisor/manager promotion of patient safety, staffing, hospital handoffs/transitions, and teamwork within units. Neutral perceptions focused on teamwork across hospital units, hospital management's support for patient safety, and nonpunitive response to errors. Conclusion: For this population, teamwork across hospital units and administrative support for a culture of safety should be addressed. With almost 20' of respondents rating their institutions with an overall safety grade of C or below, there is clearly a need for further investigation of patient safety issues within VIR departments to confirm these findings and to expand the scope of inquiry to other radiologic science professionals.
Purpose: To explore whether patient-reported demographics and hospital classifications were signi... more Purpose: To explore whether patient-reported demographics and hospital classifications were significant factors in the likelihood that a computed tomography (CT) scan of the head would be ordered for nontraumatic headaches. Methods: Nonexperimental, cross-sectional analysis was performed on a database that included 18 279 patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Information included in the analysis was diagnosis of a generalized, nontraumatic headache; patient age and sex; the treating hospital's profit status (ie, for-profit vs nonprofit); status of the hospital as a teaching institution; hospital location (ie, rural vs suburban and urban); diagnostic procedures ordered; and patient's insurance coverage (commercial insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid). Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and binary logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Approximately 10% of patients who presented to EDs with a chief complaint of headache received a diagnostic head CT scan. Patient age proved to be the only significant variable in the analysis (P ≤ .001). Hospital's teaching status, classification as rural or suburban and urban, and profit status were not significant factors in determining the likelihood of a head CT being performed, nor were any other demographic variables studied. Discussion: Radiologic procedure expenditures have increased more than any other physician service in the past 2 decades. The increase in CT use warrants further research. Although the analysis did not demonstrate that hospital characteristics were a significant factor in the ordering of head CT scans for nontraumatic headaches, continued analysis should be performed because resource use in EDs is not static. Conclusion: The overall rate of CT usage in EDs in the United States has increased significantly. Understanding CT use rates is important to radiographers and policymakers when considering resource use in dynamic EDs.
Purpose: To explore the mechanisms U.S. radiologic science students use to cope with stress. Meth... more Purpose: To explore the mechanisms U.S. radiologic science students use to cope with stress. Methods: The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) was used to determine U.S. radiologic science students' coping mechanisms. The authors coupled the General Health Questionnaire with the CISS to determine whether a higher propensity for emotional distress revealed differences in coping mechanisms. Along with descriptive statistics, t tests were employed to determine whether differences existed in task, emotion, and avoidance coping mechanisms between women and men and within sex groups. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the sexes for adaptive task-oriented coping and maladaptive emotion-based coping; however, more men (82.8%) than women (71.2%) used avoidance coping. Women with higher levels of emotional distress more frequently used maladaptive emotion-based and avoidance coping mechanisms than did those with lower levels of emotional distress. Men with higher levels of emotional distress more frequently used maladaptive emotion-based coping than did those with lower levels of emotional distress. Discussion: Helping students distinguish between healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms might allow them to become more efficient and healthy members of their professional communities. Establishing that those who are at a high risk for emotional distress often display maladaptive coping mechanisms might provide a catalyst for intervention. Conclusion: Finding and promoting resources that teach and encourage students to use task-oriented coping skills could be useful in their educational and professional development.
Purpose: To assess the emotional well-being and levels of nonacademic sources of stress in radiol... more Purpose: To assess the emotional well-being and levels of nonacademic sources of stress in radiologic science students in the United States. Methods: Students in radiography and radiation therapy programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), a survey of personal and professional demographics and of nonacademic stressful life events. The data were used to generate a GHQ score and descriptive statistics. A Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis also were performed. Results: A total of 371 surveys were returned by 24 programs, for a 63% response rate. Thirty-eight percent of students reported a GHQ score that indicated high levels of mental distress, and 60% of students reported feeling constantly under strain. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that experiencing 1 or more stressful life events correlated with GHQ constructs that evaluate anxiety, depression, and social dysfunction. The linear regression analysis demonstrated that increasing age and increasing numbers of nonacademic sources of stress affected students' GHQ scores and emotional health. Discussion: The radiologic science students in this study reported an overall positive emotional well-being. However, nonacademic stressors affected the students negatively, and lower levels of emotional well-being were identified in older students and in those experiencing a greater number of stressful life events. Conclusion: Educators should be aware of students' educational obstacles, including the influence of nonacademic stressors, and advocate for resources to improve student emotional well-being. Helping students maintain high levels of emotional health is beneficial for their education. Future research on the development and effectiveness of stress management interventions among radiologic science students is warranted.
Patients often arrive at imaging departments on stretchers, and in certain circumstances they mus... more Patients often arrive at imaging departments on stretchers, and in certain circumstances they must remain on the stretcher for the imaging examination to reduce the likelihood of exacerbating injuries. Imaging stretcher-bound patients can be challenging, with many physical and technical variables to consider. These challenges occur because of differences between imaging a patient on a tabletop and imaging a patient on a stretcher. This article reviews the issues associated with imaging stretcher-bound patients, including the unavailability of the automatic exposure control, different grids used, geometric factors, and variability in stretcher design.
Full-time registered radiologic technologist educators were surveyed to determine their professio... more Full-time registered radiologic technologist educators were surveyed to determine their professional profile and research/scholarship productivity. Overall, research and scholarship productivity was low. More than 85% of respondents had not authored an article in a peer or nonpeer-reviewed journal, although more than half of the sample reported other scholarly activities, such as reviewing books, developing continuing education material and presenting at professional meetings. As a group, full-time educators employed in 4-year institutions and holding a higher academic degree were more productive in research and scholarship.
This article examines barriers to mammography screening and reviews the professional literature o... more This article examines barriers to mammography screening and reviews the professional literature on provider interventions to increase screening. Interventions appropriate for radiologic technologists are evaluated and discussed in an effort to expand R.T.s' role in improving mammography screening rates.
Objective: Full-time radiologic technology educators (n = 565) were surveyed to determine their d... more Objective: Full-time radiologic technology educators (n = 565) were surveyed to determine their demographic characteristics and professional profile. Results: Overall, the majority of radiologic technology educators surveyed were women between the ages of 40 and 59, had a bachelor's or master's degree, were certified in radiography and reported annual incomes from 40,001 dollars to 60,000 dollars. Most educators spent between 1 hour and 8 hours per week on classroom instruction/laboratory and in the clinical setting. Additionally, hospital or community college programs employed the majority of educators. Demographic characteristics of radiologic technology educators varied according to the type of institution in which they were employed and by education level. Conclusion: Study findings show a potential loss of qualified educators in the near future and the need for increased efforts to prepare and recruit radiologic technologists into the education career path.
This case report details the history, diagnostic workup, and follow-up of an 82-year-old dysphagi... more This case report details the history, diagnostic workup, and follow-up of an 82-year-old dysphagic African-American woman who presented for an esophagram/barium swallow study. Radiologic and endoscopic imaging results and findings are discussed. In addition, the patient's treatment regimen and follow-up care are presented to better educate the radiologic technology community.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a significant disease affecting the circulatory system. Risk f... more Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a significant disease affecting the circulatory system. Risk factors include smoking, hypertension, sex, and a possible hereditary predisposition. AAAs remain asymptomatic for years, and various imaging methods are used in their detection, diagnosis, and treatment. This article reviews the anatomy and physiology of the aorta as well as the signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and risk factors for the development of AAA. The use of ultrasonography and other imaging modalities for pre- and post-treatment is discussed, as is endovascular aortic repair.
This study investigated computed radiography (CR) image processing to determine whether variation... more This study investigated computed radiography (CR) image processing to determine whether variation exists within and among CR imaging plate readers. Photostimulable imaging plates were exposed using a phantom test tool and processed in 4 CR readers located in diverse settings in an urban academic medical center. Research results indicate daily variation of S-numbers within individual CR readers did not exceed tolerance limits, although over the 3-week study period, evidence of S-number variation within individual CR readers was mixed. In addition, S-number variability among multiple CR readers was found to be statistically significant. Although the cause of the variability remains unknown, evidence of variability among multiple CR readers indicates a need for systematic quality control.
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Papers by Jeffrey Legg