Research Topics: Image Interpretation

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials   Question 1 During the clinical trials I had one patient who underwent radiation therapy. He is a cancer patient who has already underwent come form of treatment for his condition with no results. His health has started to fail even if the cancer is still in an early stage. A clear dose response relationship was observed for the radiation patient during the trial, which supports the use of higher radiation doses to achieve optimal results. During the clinical trial, the patient had been more than willing to participate. This clinical trial definitely shows that radiation is not only feasible but is the treatment of choice for physicians wanting to give their patients the best treatment, keep precise control over the procedure and get it right first time. Radiation can be used safely and effectively in patients with the most difficult problems that we face today. The patient is the right choice to be the one to participate in the clinical trial since he has been undergoing several therapies for his condition without any improvements. The clinical trial had not only helped establish the effectiveness of the procedure of radiotherapy but also helped the patient gain improvements regarding his condition.   Question 2 Another patient has cancer of the bowel. This patient has given the option of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for treatment. The treatment of choice for either type of neoplasm is surgical removal. If surgery is not possible – as in cases where the cancer has spread widely or is inoperable – radiation and drugs (chemotherapy) are used. Chemotherapeutic drugs destroy malignant cells (2004). For this patient, he did undergo surgery at first, only to find out that it doesn’t help at all since the cancer cells have already undergone metastasis. After the major bowel surgery, an outpatient appointment was given to the patient. He was informed that after his surgery for bowel cancer, he can benefit from additional treatment (called adjuvant therapy) in the form of chemotherapy or radiotherapy and he received an appointment to see the oncologists (who treat patients with cancer). As previously stated, when chemotherapy or radiotherapy is used in addition to surgery it is known as ‘adjuvant chemotherapy’ or ‘adjuvant radiotherapy’. For example, following surgery you may be given a course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This aims to kill any cancer cells which may have spread away from the primary tumor site. This is the kind of therapy that the patient underwent. Sometimes, adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy is given before surgery to shrink a large tumor so that the operation to remove the tumor is easier for a surgeon to do, and is more likely to be successful.   Question 3             Cancer of the prostate gland is a common cause of death, accounting for about 2 to 3 percent of all male deaths ( 2000). Once cancer of the prostate gland does occur, the cancerous cells are usually stimulated to more rapid growth by testosterone and are inhibited by removal of both testes so that testosterone cannot be formed ( 2000). Also, prostatic cancer can be usually can be inhibited by administration of estrogens.             Radiotherapy is the treatment of disease with radiation, especially by selective irradiation with x-rays or other ionizing radiation and by ingestion of radioisotopes. It is also called as radiation therapy. Long-term control of prostate cancer can be achieved in a relatively high-risk patient population using interstitial brachytherapy in combination with external beam radiation therapy ( 2003). External beam radiation has proven successful in the treatment of localized prostate cancer in phase 2 and is associated with a success rate comparable to surgery for patients with localized prostate cancer. The survival rate for patients with localized prostate cancer, stages A and B, treated with external beam radiation is similar to that for age-adjusted cohorts without prostate cancer (1996). External radiation generally is delivered in a daily dose of 180 cGy to 200 cGy for a period of 6 to 7 weeks (total dose 6200 cGy to 7400 cGy). Potential complications include impotence, incontinence, cystitis, urethral strictures, prostatitis, diarrhea, edema of the lower extremities and bone marrow suppression. Patients also may become physically tired, and they should be instructed to get as much rest as possible during their course of treatment. It is not uncommon for erythema to develop and for the skin to become red or dry in the area of treatment. Affected skin should be exposed to the air as much as possible and patients should be instructed to avoid wearing tight clothing. Patients also must be instructed not to use creams or lotions on affected skin without their doctor’s approval (1996).   Question 4 The College of Radiographers has devised a new strategy to streamline the education, development and career paths of radiographers. Practitioners has strictly adhered to these codes and strategies by being highly skilled individuals, working autonomously and supervising assistant practitioners and other support staff. It is a requirement also for practitioners to complete a BSc degree in either therapeutic or diagnostic radiography. Subjects include anatomy, physiology and pathology, science and instrumentation, diagnostic or therapeutic radiography practice, social sciences and image interpretation, as well as aspects of patient care, including first aid and counseling. Advanced practitioners are also expected to work in a specialist or complex field of practice within radiography, or carry additional responsibilities across a range of practices. Thus, they will be team leaders and clinical experts managing their own caseloads. They may also be carrying out complex treatments or treatment planning and reporting on image appearances.       Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials Question 1 During the clinical trials I had one patient who underwent radiation therapy. He is a cancer patient who...

Principles of Image Interpretation Research Proposal Paper

Principles of Image Interpretation Introduction Health of the people is the main concerns of the doctors and nurses. Their medication and assistance is based on the clinical findings of the other professional. Most likely, the radiologists are the medical professionals that can examine the body of the people without opening or breaking the skin of the patient. This practice is well recognized by the medical professionals and other patients. The reports presented by the radiologists are particularly based on the interpretation of the image presented on them. Background and Problem Statement The work of the radiologists started through the ongoing developments on the reports and the collaboration of different technologies. The medical professionals duly applied their expertise, knowledge, and skills to interpret the clinical findings. Moreover, the report they created are commonly under the secrecy or private that can be only understand by the people working with them in the same organization. However, the accuracy of their findings on the image interpretation is placed under the series of criticisms. Research Objectives The study focuses on the nature of work of the radiologists and gave importance on how crucial the work they have. The first objective of the study is to identify the different principles behind the image interpretation of the radiologists. The second objective is also in the relationship of the first objective which is to determine the essential elements that might play in the interpretation of the radiologists. Research Questions The study prepared several questions that can serve as the engine of the study in aiming the objectives. The questions are applied to align the study and be focus on the nature of work of the radiologists, particularly in interpreting or analyzing the images. 1.      What are the functions or roles of the radiologists within the vicinity? 2.      What are the common applied strategies of the radiologists? 3.      What are factors that affect the interpretation of an image and the perception of the radiologists in his field of work? Literature Review In the developments of the techniques in medical interpretation and generating the reports, the radiologists is the very first medical professional that can deliver he quantified information. The abilities of the radiologists began in their foundation of their quality education and with that, the continuous development of the techniques and different work modes are incorporated in the reports. The hospital functions well according to the finding of the experts like the radiologists. Their interpretation is conducted through the series of analysis and application of the weighted method that builds the idea of acceptable and comprehensive report. However, the complex procedure of the radiologists takes the full control on the clinical reports. The structure of the reports is based on the availability of tools and the description of the image that was assessed on their understanding. All of the characteristics play an essential role in the success of the report of the radiologists (Berman, Gray, Liu, and Tyhurst, 2001). The medicinal model applied in the practice of the radiologists is extensively connected to the intensive training of the radiologists in most of the successful countries such as in UK. This idea originated from the need of analysis, image interpretation and its accuracy and comprehensive details that make up a valuable report (Smith, Traise, and Cook, 2009). Methodology The applied method is through the questionnaires for the participating Radiologists. The three participants considered their ages, field of expertise, gender, position, and years of practice. The information taken from the radiologists plays an important role in the analysis and determination of the principles of image interpretation. The field of expertise is the best attribute of the radiologists that might be the basis of their interpretation. Analysis Through the use of the valued technologies, the radiologists view that the interpretation of the images can be accurate than before. The nature or environment of their work is dangerous in their health because of the participation of the radiation but with the radiation, the images are revealed. The techniques they use are based on their knowledge they gained from the years of their experience. The collaboration of the technology, level of knowledge, and the experience are the basic requirements that they usually utilize in the creation of their report in the interpretation and clinical findings. Conclusion The role of the radiologists in the field of medicine is an example that the healthcare settings do not fail to commit itself on their objective to deliver the quality of health and wellness. The nature of work of the radiologists in the hospitals is important in the organization to show its strength. References: Berman, G., Gray, R., Liu, D., & Tyhurst, J., 2001. Structured Radiology Reporting: Case Study [Online] Available at: http://www.structuredreporting.com/structurad-rsna-01.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2010]. Smith, TN., Traise, P., & Cook, A., 2009. The Influence of a Continuing Education Program on the Image Interpretation Accuracy of Rural Radiographers [Online] Available at: http://www.rrh.org.au/publishedarticles/article_print_1145.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2010].   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Principles of Image Interpretation Research Proposal Paper

Principles of Image Interpretation Introduction Health of the people is the main concerns of the doctors and nurses. Their medication an...

Radiographic Image Interpretation

Radiographic Image Interpretation               In the clinical environment it is important that people should practice their job in accordance with the needs of their patients or clients. In this regard, those who are just beginning to learn and experience things must be taught and mentored by others who have already experienced different things in relation to different health care activities. Evaluation of image quality remains a challenge in radiological studies. It has to be addressed when optimizing established techniques for various X-ray examinations. Quality assessment for imaging results is mostly based on the observers subjective scoring system because of the lack of objective and acknowledged criteria. The outcome will depend on the observers’ previous experience. Since the readers’ preferences are related to the subjective nature of the outcome, a definition of clear quality criteria is required. Comparative image quality analyses mostly refer to given anatomical details that are present in each radiograph [1–3]. These can be used for analysing changes of visibility due to varied technical procedures [4]. The Commission of the European Communities (CEC) has developed such image criteria based on anatomical details for some radiographic examinations to standardize image quality throughout Europe [5,6]. In 1996 these CEC-criteria were slightly revised and presented in the “European Guidelines on quality criteria for diagnostic radiographic images” [7]. Visual grading of the reproduction of important anatomical structures for the evaluation of image quality in radiography has become an established method [8]. The basic idea of visual grading is the assumption that the possibility to detect abnormal findings correlates to the reproducibility of anatomical structures. An alternative method for the comparative evaluation of image quality is the application of receiver operating characteristic analyses (ROC), that are well described in literature [1,9]. In the context of medical image interpretation, Nightingale (10) outlined the following four levels: detection of an abnormality, description of image appearances, interpretation of the image and independent reporting, suggesting that the trauma RDS is an example of the detection task (Level 1) and this can be distinguished from independent reporting (Level 4) provided, for example, by radiographers that have completed appropriate postgraduate education and training). Previous research (11) suggests that radiographers demonstrate different levels of ability depending on the type/extent of education and training received.   Ethics Medical ethics, a branch of the philosophy of ethics, deals with moral decisions in medicine. The branch of nursing ethics could be considered under the umbrella of medical ethics. The moral foundation of the nursing profession is based on the perspectives of Florence Nightingale, who described nursing as a self-defining moral practice focused on caring. This moral foundation evolves from the nurse-patient relationship. Morality in nursing practice arises from the idea that it is morally good to promote the physical and psychological well-being of patients. Nurses, however, may find it difficult to prioritize these moral nursing values over their personal values (Killen, 2002). In the nursing profession, acts that are ethical often reflect a commitment to standards which are beyond an individual’s personal preferences – standards on which individuals, professions, and societies agree (Potter & Perry, 2004). Ethics has become an important way of life in a post-modern society that does not acknowledge any fixed points of reference. Nursing is essentially a work of intimacy. The tasks of nursing require the nurse to be in close contact with clients, physically and emotionally. This kind of contact is usually not acceptable in public relationships. As a result, the work of nursing involves the negotiation of values whether those values be of the client, the physician, the employer, or other concerned groups. Maintaining their own moral integrity is central to nurses’ moral experience. Studies have documented that nurses sometimes feel they are forced to betray their own values. Their position in organizations, a lack of involvement in the decision-making process, and lack of authority seem to contribute to the experience of powerlessness in situations of moral difficulty (Mathes, 2005). Discussion and resolution of ethical issues requires critical thinking skills. Unlike the resolution of clinical problems, however, the resolution of ethical issues involves the negotiation of closely held personal values and philosophies, not facts or measurable clinical data. Resolution of ethical issues incorporates not only the nurse’s personal values but also the interpretation of the client’s personal values, based on the unique perspective of nurses (Potter & Perry, 2004). Ethics guided by one’s own moral values is very important since an ability to make good decisions about one’s health care promotes healthy behaviors across the lifespan (Deatrick, 2000). The commitment to save lives is the utmost goal of every healthcare practitioner. With the developing trends and current breakthroughs in the field of medicine and healthcare practice, it is always important to hold on the principles of professional ethics. However, there are situations where ethics is at stake resulting to unethical behaviour and malpractice. Medical malpractices has increasingly become the focus of attention in most empirical studies from both the medical community and the general public because of adverse economic and human consequences associated with it. The presence of numerous medical codes of conduct and the experiences of medical practitioners during their academic years are not adequate to maintain perfection in providing ethical medical practices. Results obtained present that almost all radiologists were trained on ethics pertaining to their professions or even physicians and nurses. Majority of them are exposed to medical ethics training. The knowledge on the existence of ethical committee at the institution is relatively high provided that most of the respondents agreed. On the context of unethical behaviour demonstrated by a colleague, majority agreed that they are able to recognise unethical behaviour demonstrated and the violation of professional ethics in the course of their work is seen on a daily basis. The identified factors that influence breaches of medical ethics include inadequate legislation or regulations; inadequate enforcement of legislation or regulation; lack of awareness among healthcare workers on the question of what is ethical behaviour; lack of adequate training to healthcare workers on ethics; and high workload among healthcare workers. These factors are all proven to be existent in both cases of physicians and nurses. The opinions on various aspects in medical ethics practice do not vary among respondents. Lastly, the role of ethical committee is still important as most respondents seek their intervention to check what is ethical and unethical in relation to their practice. Discussion states that there is a crucial need for physicians and nurses to enhance ethical medical practice not only on the case of the physicians and nurses in public as well as private hospitals in the world. In order to enhance professional medical ethics, it is recommended that the government’s role in supporting existing ethical committees is needed and constant training programs among physicians and nurses are sought. The results clearly illuminate the need for physicians and nurses to enhance ethical medical practice not only on the case of the physicians and nurses in public as well as private hospitals in the world. Training on medical ethics is said to be experienced by physicians and nurses. Also, the knowledge on the existence of ethical committee at the institution is present and briefly evaluated. On the context of unethical behaviour demonstrated by a colleague, majority agreed that they are able to recognise unethical behaviour demonstrated and the violation of professional ethics in the course of their work is seen on a daily basis. The identified factors that influence breaches of medical ethics include inadequate legislation or regulations; inadequate enforcement of legislation or regulation; lack of awareness among healthcare workers on the question of what is ethical behaviour; lack of adequate training to healthcare workers on ethics; and high workload among healthcare workers. These factors are all proven to be existent in both cases of physicians and nurses. The opinions on various aspects in medical ethics practice do not vary among respondents. Lastly, the role of ethical committee is still important as most respondents seek their intervention to check what is ethical and unethical in relation to their practice. Specifically, ethics particularly among physicians and nurses is rooted on numerous codes of professional conduct, guidelines, and other established rules and regulations. Most medical practitioners are expected to comply on such ethical standards so as to provide the best practice. After their years of stay in the academe and prior to their actual performance of their practice, training is helpful to update their knowledge. The issue of medical ethics is always illuminated in all aspects of providing healthcare. Then, the challenge lies on how ethical each medical practitioner in pursuing his/her professional role as medical service provider. While all physicians and nurses were trained on ethics pertaining to their professions, there are still violations occurring within the medical setting. The presence of violations is said to be attributed to the inability of medical practitioners to choose the most appropriate and relevant training programs that they will undergo. Also, the changing medical practices with the emergence of modern technologies and medical breakthroughs prompt every physician and nurse to stick to their customary ethical practices that are sometimes irrelevant to the current setting. The knowledge learned over the years is not sufficient. Thus, every physician and nurse is encouraged to look for advancement of knowledge in some ways like consulting their head of departments and reading books and articles about varying ethical issues today. The findings of the study specify that no physician or nurse who seek advice from the Ministry of Health. This is quite disappointing as the Ministry of Health is the key body that should be a venue for continuous learning on professional practice and ethics as well. The knowledge on ethics is not limited on what is read and applied yet also available in the course of the experiences of other superior individuals who work on the same setting. Because training is very important, it is always imperative that all physicians and nurses should undergo consistent professional training on medical ethics and practice. This will be beneficial in the performance of their duties and responsibilities. The knowledge on the existence of ethical committee at the institution is relatively high among the respondents. It is evident that there are many organizations, committees and professional groups that are existent to advocate ethical medical practice. However, the question is on how effective they are in communicating their visions and missions as international or national recognized bodies. In Tanzania alone, there are several ethical committees that are popularly recognized yet they are not fulfilling their roles. This is the reason why there is an apathetic or indifferent relationship among members of the medical field. To reconcile their role in the medical setting, ethical committees should not only work as vanguard of ethical practice but active participants of the quest towards the enhancement of professional ethics in the country. In communicating the case of unethical behaviour demonstrated by a colleague, most physicians and nurses see it in every day situation. They know that a certain act is unethical and they extend the initiative to inform the involved party. Findings report that there is a strong relationship among physicians who understood the main contents of their professional code of conduct and their ability to talk to a colleague who commit a certain unethical practice. Understanding the context of code of professional conduct in any field is directly associated on the ability of a person to correct what is identified as wrong act. The physicians should play as teacher in the medical setting especially among subordinates. Similarly, the relationships of length of service or exposure to the field are important factors to consider in correcting unethical practices. Hierarchy and seniority are essential elements of the organizational culture. Among the identified factors that affect unethical behaviours in medical practice include inadequate legislation or regulations; inadequate enforcement of legislation or regulation; lack of awareness among healthcare workers on the question of what is ethical behaviour; lack of adequate training to healthcare workers on ethics; and high workload among healthcare workers. These factors are all proven to be existent in both cases of physicians and nurses. Inadequate legislations and regulations as well as inadequate enforcement reflect the role of the government and ethical committees. More often than not, inadequacy of legislations and regulations and the poor application are the common excuses of medical personnel who commit unethical behaviour. On this case, all parties involved particularly the government of Tanzania should come up with practical and relevant legislations and regulations and to be supported by the ethical committees and other groups. Such are to be extended to all members of the field. On the case of lack of awareness among healthcare workers on the question of what is ethical behaviour, the role of education and information dissemination is under question. Most medical practitioners are affiliated in certain organizations and professional bodies. The advocacies of these organizations and professional bodies should include education and further training to enhance work competencies and professional values. The lack of adequate training to healthcare workers on ethics is always a problem. Thus, the challenge is pass to all concerned organizations and professional bodies particularly in coming up with the given relevant training programs and development mechanisms. Lastly, the high workload among healthcare workers is associated with the increasing complexity of the providing medical services among the growing population. All public hospitals in developing countries are said to have lacking funds for a decent healthcare. Thus, the role of the government and related institutions are needed particularly in financial support such as national budget allocation. The factors that affect unethical behaviours in the medical field are not limited to the mentioned ones. The list goes on. But then again, the pursuit towards ethical medical practice will also continue. Meanwhile, the opinions on various aspects in medical ethics practice do not vary among respondents. Opinions regarding various aspect of practicing ethics are dependent on special cases. For example, physicians and nurses were equally opinionated in the issues such as medical ethics is only important to avoid legal action. Conditions like patient wishes must always be adhered to, patient should be always informed of wrongdoing once happen in the course of treatment, confidentiality is outdated in the modern practice should be abandoned, doctors should decide what to do irrespective of patient opinions, patient should only consent for operation not for test and medications and close relatives should always be told about patient’s condition are contributory to the ethical practice. Lastly, the role of ethical committee is still important as most respondents seek their intervention to check what is ethical and unethical in relation to their practice. As most physicians and nurses are aware of the presence of ethical committees, they seek advices and support from them. Ethical committees should then be credible and competent in providing support and education among the members of the field particularly those who sought for their involvement.             When people want to discover some things, they usually aim to figure out and investigate the nature of occurrence, characteristics and other related facts about this certain matter. In this similar manner, they consider affecting factors in the discussion and facing of consequences brought about by their discoveries. The field of medicine, especially to microbiology and pathology is a practical instance. Before a medical specialist can provide information of a new prevailing illness, they must initially investigate and consider some factors affecting the whole nature of such. Same as true in this condition where people consider factors rather than the presence of physical illness because factors serve as significant keys in probing the nature, medication and prevention of a specific physical illness. Some people disregard the presence of physical illness as the focus of action in other situations. Instead, they focus on the factors affecting the nature of the physical illness varying from plain physical to detailed anatomical and physiological bases. Evidences gathered both from physical and scientific examinations supply primary ingredients in determining and coming up with actions and solutions necessary to solve problems. Factors, as imply, are essential information ranging from basic and existing knowledge, learned and acquired facts from studies and observations, or beliefs – real or imaginary that serve as prerequisites in every study conducted. They are things that will support or contradict, validate or negate, solve or worsen, and answer or disapprove claims. These are the dynamic contributors to an accomplishment, outcome, or course of action. They may provide facts that are vital in a definite field of study. Some factors apparent in discussing the presence and diagnosis of physical illnesses are distal and proximal factors like genetics; causal, maintaining, and precipitating factors as physical signs and symptoms; and internal and environmental factors like socioeconomic and cultural (Herson and Porzelius, 2002). Distal and proximal factors are relative to the nature of the illness as well as to the patient. Genetic factors are important contributing factors to most physical as well as psychological disorders. Genetics has something to do with genes and hereditary origin of a person’s illness. It deals with heredity of the individual, particularly the method of hereditary transmission and the variation of inherited characteristics between equivalent or related organisms. Although, genetic factors are not usually understood, it is still an important factor in tracing the nature of the illness. According to Herson and Porzelius (2002), the susceptibility of a person to a disease is “believed to be inherited, but is also modified by life experiences” (8). For example, a couple of cases of diabetes and some types of cancer are deemed to be hereditary. But today, some causes of diabetes and cancer could be accounted to the changes in lifestyle of people from food to personality. If there are related or same cases occurred from early years of the generation, genetics is the answer. Doctors and other medical experts will trace back the history of the illness from the lineage of the family. Causal, maintaining, and precipitating factors are important considerations in studying physical illness. The signs and symptoms of an illness are very significant and must have satisfactory amount of attention. Sufficient knowledge on the characteristic of the illness can make a person aware that he or she is experiencing such ailment. Technical terms are best expressed by licensed and legitimate people knowledgeable of the disease. The physical manifestation of an illness is an important signal that will lead to the immediate findings and deliberate medication. Maintaining factors are those of medication while precipitating factors are those of prevention.  Through the use of information accumulated from the inquiry, this will be an aid in creating medicines and other related treatments or operation for the illness. It is also a helpful foundation for making precautionary guidelines.  Internal and environmental factors have something to do with the culture and lifestyle of the patient. Ethnicity, culture, race, gender, religion, and lifestyle, are major considerations in discussing health. Internal factors like these mentioned above are within the bounds of the patient’s ways of living. Through their impact on health, relevant findings are essential in coming up with proper prescription and immediate avoidance of a disease. For example, menopausal women who are pregnant have greater chances of risky delivery or death. Tracing the nature of menopausal women, internal factors like the age and lifestyle is vital in giving birth. Another example would be the cross-breeding of different races. The evidence of heredity is manifest from physical characteristics varying from skin, hair, eyes, and other aesthetic characteristics aside from detailed scientific proofs. Socioeconomic factors include class and economic group. The main problem of poverty in the world contributes to inadequate health care and consciousness of people. Environmental factors comprise the elements present in the surrounding where the patient is living. Today, the world is experiencing different illnesses claimed to originate from declining consciousness and abuse of people in the environment. Chemical – related diseases like food poisoning and cancer are few examples of such.  In studying physical illnesses, people frequently oversee the importance of physical characteristics visible to sample cases. This is not much relevant to some cases of study. Still, these physical illnesses possess characteristics essential in determining factors.   Most of the time, people concentrate in the factors affecting the presence of physical illness rather that dealing directly to the ailment. For some instances, diagnosis of a disease is not complete without reiterating the factors affecting its occurrence – like if it is hereditary, acquired or suddenly on the spot. Physical characteristics also influence people physically and psychologically. For example on the aspect of psychology, mildly overweight females in their adolescence years are more likely to undergo strict diet and more likely to develop a serious eating disorder (French, Perry, Leon, & Fulkerson, 1995). For example on the aspect of physical illness, a young man injures his back in a mistake on his construction job. It leads to a year of unemployment while he receives medical treatments and incapable to work or provide adequate needs for his family, he feels increasingly more helpless and depressed (Herson and Porzelius, 2002). The tendency of lingering to his physical defect is superior thus, creating a feeling of incompleteness and futility of his physical body. A physical illness certainly has cause. This is the reason why some doctors try to trace back the factors affecting it. The probing of a nature of an illness is a standard procedure by all medical practitioners. Aside from existing knowledge and facts about the nature of the disease, they also consider factors in analyzing them. By looking to the illness physically, there is a higher tendency of inaccurate description to the nature and cause of the disease. Whereas if an existing factor is present, chances are high for an accurate and relevant analysis. If a factor was present in the diagnosis, there is a basis for coming up with the idea of prevention and medication. Formulation of new medicines and treatment is faster and reliable. Factors are important in medication of physical illnesses. The fact that there are theories or principles behind some physical illnesses; these will aid doctors to define new methods and procedures to cure the illness. Their truthful findings are the basis in making new drugs to combat the cause of the disease. Aside from medicinal remedies, precautionary measures are observed and disseminated to people for their safety as by-product of research. The formulation of ideas will always be based to the fundamentals of the discovery or the nature of the illness. Today, focusing on factors affecting health problems is a major point in coming up with useful and relevant solutions to existing well-being harms of the world. Since using these factors could not heal people literally, the fact that people has a grasp on the information about these will be a great help in prevention. However, it is still basic to consider the presence of physical illness in discussing health. Data obtained from written reports and records of physical illnesses are major leap for its cure and prevention. The value of visibility cannot be disregarded. When people distinguish physical manifestations of illnesses in themselves, they will immediately act on it. So, early in the conception or the first degree of an ailment, it is advisable to see the factors affecting its occurrence. That will serve as an important instrument for a fast and immediate response.             The findings lead to the recommendation of the need to enhance professional medical ethics. In order to enhance professional medical ethics, it is recommended that the government’s role in supporting existing ethical committees is needed and constant training programs among physicians and nurses are sought. The role of the government in supporting existing ethical committee is important because legislations and regulations should be coordinated to national framework. Without government’s support, ethical committees will become mere organizations that are limited to written codes of conducts that are never implemented. Also, constant training programs among physicians and nurses are sought because continuous learning will add up to their existing professional competencies. All in all, medical ethics is grounded on the principle of doing what is right, fair, and beneficial – at all times.     [1] Tingberg A, Herrmann C, Lanhede B, et al. Influence of the characteristic curve on the clinical image quality of lumbar spine and chest radiographs. Br J Radiol 2004;77(915):204–15.   [2] Sund P, Bath M, Kheddache S, Mansson LG. Comparison of visual grading analysis and determination of detective quantum efficiency for evaluating system performance in digital chest radiography. Eur Radiol 2004;14(1):48–58. Epub Oct 16 2003.   [3] Offiah AC, Hall CM. Evaluation of the Commission of the European Communities quality criteria for the paediatric lateral spine. Br J Radiol 2003;76(912):885–90. [4] Almen A, Tingberg A, Besjakov J, Mattsson S. The use of reference image criteria in X-ray diagnostics: an application for the optimisation of lumbar spine radiographs. Eur Radiol 2004;4(9):1561–7. Epub 2004 Apr 1.   [5] Maccia C, Moores BM, Nahrstedt U, Padovani R, Wall BF. CEC quality criteria for diagnostic radiographic images and patient exposure trial, EUR 12952 EN. Brussels: CEC, 1990.   [6] European Commission. The 1991 CEC trial on quality criteria for diagnostic radiographic images: detailed results and findings, EUR 16635 EN. Brussels: CEC, 1991.   [7] European Commission. European guidelines on quality criteria for diagnostic radiographic images, EUR 16260 EN. Brussels: CEC, 1996.   [8] Bath M, Mansson LG. Visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis: a nonparametric rank-invariant statistical method for image quality evaluation. Br J Radiol 2007;80(951):169–76.   [9] Mansson LG.Methods for the evaluation of image quality: a review. Radiat Prot Dosim 2000;90:89–99.   [10] Nightingale J. Reporting errors (and how to avoid them). Synergy 2004 Feb:16e23.   [11]  Brealey S, Scally A, Hahn S, Thomas N, Godfrey C, Coomarasamy A. Accuracy of radiographer plain radiograph reporting in clinical practice: a meta-analysis. Clin Radiol 2005;60(2):233e41.     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Radiographic Image Interpretation

Radiographic Image Interpretation In the clinical environment it is important that people should practice their job in accor...

RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE INTERPRETATION ESSAY

RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE INTERPRETATION ESSAY     Introduction In medical setting, radiography plays a role in diagnosing certain patient conditions and medical situations as directly as possible as there is ample requirement to arrive at desirable and valid interpretation as well as assessment of an image, radiographic images plays a vital part of this essay. Radiography is an important process for medical success, and provides crucial information of specific cases wherein image interpretation and assessment happens. Thus, the reviewing of core points featuring radiograph imaging, the needed interpretation applies into particular images to be discussed as examples for analysis as well as reflection, wherein there is contribution towards decision making such as those coming from radiographers interpreting the image (Tugnait, 2008). Moreover, the need to review methods of performance measurement of some viewers of radiographic images linking into several components for instance, texture, attention and decision making, as there recognizes reality enabling certain human viewer to interpret radiographs. Radiograph imaging examination implies to accurate diagnosis, as there depends on image acquisition quality as well as image interpretation, and noted that radiology assume technology advancement in such image detector systems and computer usability such as those tools forming the X-ray computed tomography as well as magnetic resonance imaging allowing memory capabilities in producing standard images for interpretation. Thus, the assessment of radiography into methods of interpretation does have benefits computer based diagnosis, as utilized by a radiologist which has output coming in computer grounded analysis of detecting lesions as possible as it is through image interpretation and arrived at making accurate diagnostic decisions. Indeed, upon reviewing particular objects, humans perform as ‘ideal observers’, (Tugnait, 2008) although limitations take place in having the ability to detect and diagnose in actual assimilation of image interpretation because of presence of structure noise as well as better amount of image data being generated by radiographic imaging devices, making the detected disease to cause certain errors. It can be that, developments in computer values into radiographic image interpretation showing some potential patterns for computers as providers of alternative opinion for successful image interpretation.       Discussion and Analysis Radiographs can be used in planning initial, corrective and supportive phases of therapy, though some decisions may be made on clinical assessments alone. Evidence in the literature on benefit gained from radiographs taken for periodontal patients is sparse; the extent to which they influence the treatment provided and treatment outcomes is poorly addressed. Further research is indicated to define the role of radiographs in order to maximize the potential gain for the patient. Thus, dealing with performance measurement from within viewers, there needs to have links towards certain radiology image compression as it can be without perceived loss of image quality (Peterson, 1999 p. 254). However, the demand for transmission bandwidth and storage space in the digital radiology environment, proliferating use of imaging modalities, the magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography will then continues to outstrip the capabilities of the existing radiograph technologies, from the examining of technology adherence from the value of radiographic imaging and discuss component challenges and assessment directives. There can be examples of image interpretation from within viewer assessments as there involves radiographic images to understand the process of awareness as well as understanding of the presuming factual knowledge.   There can be certain comprehensive investigations of image efficiency characteristics, as there detailed performance into rigorous manner. Image interpretation and performance are present in assessing upon radiographic centered imaging systems as there can be demonstrations of such improved observer performance when images were acquired into the high technology system, the review will be related to mammography device, as ideally reported to have certain substantial advantage over ample interpretative options. Up to this knowledge genre, there is without precedent of detailed radiographic imaging studies for evaluation of such digital mammography determination (Peterson, 1999). Furthermore, Hardy and Snaith (2005, p. 8), have asserted certain evaluation of some sort of digital mammography system with ideal receiver operating characteristic analysis. The research findings of the study indicated that the digital system exhibited detection rates equivalent or higher than those for image imposed system (Hardy and Snaith, 2005). Thus, refer to below illustration for specific example recognition and interpretations as deemed applicable to further realized the research vitality and vigor.        Source: Suryanarayanan, S. Karellas, A. Vedantham, S. Ved, H. Baker, S. and D’Orsi, C. (2002), Flat-Panel Digital Mammography System: Contrast-Detail Comparison between Screen-Film Radiographs and Hard-Copy Images. Experimental Studies, Radiology 225, p. 802   The above illustration showing a radiograph of phantom acquired within the digital mammography system as there illustrate particular structured patterns in the phantom. The portion of phantom that was used are being restricted to the area to the right of such hick white line when the images was amiably reviewed, the line does not exist physically in the phantom but being shown in the above illustration in order to point in specific region of interest (Suryanarayanan, Karellas, Vedantham, Ved, Baker and D’Orsi, 2002, p. 802). Furthermore, there has been developments as well as the using of assessment technique to reliably estimate several imaging quality characteristics of some x-ray imaging systems, for example mammography, not to determine detection in the presence of structured noise. Thus, good amount of observer experiments are performed with a receiver operating characteristic technique, which is economical when images are scare and cannot be easily reproduced. However, radiographs could be viewed on light-box as of today, there is a common stance in digitizing radiographs and view in a high resolution monitor. Proper viewing conditions are essential when interpreting the process of the radiograph, as the ample viewing conditions will enhance several subtle details of radiograph image assessments (Suryanarayanan, Karellas, Vedantham, Ved, Baker and D’Orsi, 2002). Ideally, brightness of the surroundings should be about the same as the area of interest in the radiograph. Aside, such ‘room illumination must be arranged so that there are no reflections from the surface of the film under examination, and that radiographic interpretation assumes certain skills upon combining with knowledge of materials, manufacturing as well as several discontinuities, viewing radiographs can be helpful and will prevent overlooking areas of radiograph and that, part of image interpretation sometimes is in rest, the eyes need to rarely rest when interpreting radiographic situations’ (NDT Resource Center). It was noted that, “castings are a product form that often receive radiographic inspection since many of the defects produced by the casting process are volumetric in nature, and are thus relatively easy to detect with this method, it is important that the radiographer is able to identify the type and size of the defects, castings used to produce the standard radiographs have been destructively analyzed to confirm the size and type of discontinuities present. For example, inclusion is nonmetallic materials in an otherwise solid metallic matrix as less or more dense than the matrix alloy and will appear on the radiograph, respectively, common in light metal castings” (NDT Resource Center).                   Source: NDT Resource Center Available online at:  <http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/Radiography/TechCalibrations/RadiographInterp_Castings.htm>         It can be that, such radiographic examinations frequently contribute important information to the medical decision making process occurring in radiographic studies department. Often radiographs are initially interpreted by a particular physician and that, decision making is being created on the basis of certain image adhering to initial interpretation. In specific areas , radiographic image assessment are being interpreted by radiologist with some means of resolving discrepancies that arise from errors of assessment if there is any. Aside, some strategies are available to reduce the time separation between medical decision making as well as the radiograph interpretation done by several radiologists and the need to assume investigations of some radiologists’ over interpreting image radiographies as possible. In exploring the implications of image assessment options, it is necessary to determine the potential differences in the accuracy of radiograph interpretation associated with certain option. The differences between these options involve differences in image display as well as training and sense of specialty into the factors involving interpretation by viewing conventional  imaging versus viewing in of a video display and the interpretation by effective radiologist assuming influencing of image accuracy of its radiographic interpretation. Research explains that, even tough mammography implies a best method for the detection of breast cancer, between, 10 percent and 30 percent of women (Giger, date not mentioned p. 75), who have breast cancer which undergoes mammography have negative mammograms, the radiologist failed to detect the cancer evidently as possible due to the nature of radiographic findings, the poor image quality, eye fatigue. There has to be effectiveness of screening procedure and that mammography is high volume X-ray procedure, and since radiologists do not detect cancers that are visible on images retrospectively, (Giger, date not mentioned, p. 75) it is expected that the efficiency and effectiveness of screening, interpretation of screening mammograms lends to a repetitive task involving mostly normal images. Various observer studies have shown that radiologists’ performance increased when they incorporated computerized image analysis in their decision-making process – for detection and diagnosis of cancer as the computerized lesion detection system may also be evaluated based on its performance on database of ‘missed’ lesions. The radiologist might choose an output with high sensitivity for examining high-risk patients being screened for cancer, whereas lower sensitivity and lower false-positive rate might be desired for patients at low risk for cancer. In the future, it is likely that radiographic images will have some form of computer analysis performed on them in order to benefit into effective diagnosis assimilation (Eng et al., 2000). The effective diagnosis assimilation assumes empowerment in every radiograph resource to make known of the assessment practices and principles behind the approach of radiography in certain perspectives relating to radiographic ways in connection to CAD and other methods used. The discussion mammography image upon integrating as well as recognizing several image assessment procedures, the process deemed valuable as put within radiographic viewpoint and determining some added knowledge of the image interpretation such conceptual utilization of some illustration relating crucial points to radiographic image formation and knowing the process towards desirable viewing of the radiograph outcome and its underlying management as essential to certain texture or structure analysis of the image in presented mode (Eng et al., 2000). Indeed, the foundation of radiographic image organization involved medical function as well as domain of image assessment into ideal operation over some methods to apply as there needs to understand how various radiographers, satisfying their roles in interpretation context might posed image challenges in outcome assimilation. For example, radiographic image management are to be related to x-rays and other important device in recognizing lesions and other discrepancies known, it is essential for radiographers to attempt to understand and deal with right image interpretation and connectivity to the actual patient situation (Firestone, Greer, Patel, Duncan, Heaven and Weems, 1995). The importance of radiographic image assessment will imply that radiographers can act more effectively responsible with or without using CAD and other methods of valuing image detection. The radiographic image as adapting to assessment and performance measures need have to be amicably committed to the radiographic image assessment into reliable and innovative ways of radiographic application of such situation. The image interpretation will integrate radiographic strategy in management upon mapping image outcomes with huge impact and image effects within some realm of certain radiographic image environment, the emerging of cases. The presence of success into the radiographic image ways can be well assessed from within some interpretation factors for example, accurate reading and viewing of the image as imposed by medical executives and the radiographer will receive quality standards into image pathways and related decision patterns. Thus, having effective image assessment will be pursuing accurate variations and with less errors as driven by ample radiographic image to assume continuous modification (Firestone, Greer, Patel, Duncan, Heaven and Weems, 1995) The radiographic image center are amiably engaged into the interpretation from within imaging assimilation, selecting quantified radiographic image illustration, incurring radiograph potentials for lesion image detection, into accurate manner. Radiographers might utilize image assessment into general protocol. The need to have useful radiographic image areas into radiography management, avoiding negative situations towards radiographic image and possible outcomes prior to the assessment (Smith and Younger, 2002). Consequently, there is usage of change resources as radiographic image can have ample lesion variations, demonstrating attention towards texture as well as structure improvement of the radiographic image allowing the human viewers to embrace radiographic image assessment in properly designed channels upon completing spontaneously in radiographic image stature, there is providing of image responsibility dominance from wherein image interoperation points are being utilized by the radiographers into the assessment ways, it is becoming increasingly clear that effective radiographic image have to be chosen so that whatever change there can be will allow deep success of the image assessment, there is the need to understand radiographic image antecedents of the known radiography practices. Thus, upon valuing of radiographic antecedents, medical team, the radiographers are in the mode of creating better imaging assessment pattern, understanding of tools and devices which serves as a critical stance which are found within useful radiographic image indication. The radiographic image will imply to outcome formation and lesions as possibly detected and were known about, from radiographic image application, as image decision-making can involve tough radiographic dissonance, discretion of radiographic image in realizing valuable outcomes from within image assessment manifestation (Smith and Younger, 2002). Thus, the radiography emphasizes that radiographic images do utilize modes as one channel to keep in netter performance recognition as well as outcome decisions, as the presence of radiographic decision making are critical to form ideal insights into radiographic image and practice. The need to be aware of several radiographic image notion, upon articulating the need to determine radiographic image and how radiographers perceive effective radiographic image interpretation in order to push through with ample radiographic image approaches for example, those used in cancer detection and assuming  radiographic image success. Thus, noting that radiographic image are to vary in exact assessment ways adopted by the radiographic image team from image paradigm, radiography characteristics, like the ones related to various assessment drivers upon radiographic image perspectives and have precise image interpretative conditions to fit into the radiographic image realization. Furthermore, the radiographic image realization might base certain conceptualization of radiographic image into effective vision that is based on strongly assume radiographic values and powerful thinking, there stimulate thinking that foster some image solutions to radiographic change as there emphasis on image realization, adhering to radiographic image performance as determined. Furthermore, radiographic image transformation can possibly generate good confidence of image realization, following of some radiographic image appearance due to some medical facilities and how radiographic image is being done within the radiograph organization (Suryanarayanan, Karellas, Vedantham, Ved, Baker and D’Orsi, 2002). There can be radiography utilization with focus, from known aspects of the paradigm as relevant into forming in of the radiographic image domains on the part of realization and integrity of radiographic image management into such respective outcome assimilation. There has been recent conceptualizations of radiographic image as there should be careful assessment of image domains from within recognition of image realization as some of radiographic behavior is often within critical image knowledge and the serving of radiographic image interest as possible. There has been expected outcome of radiographic image realization, radiographers utilize concepts in building effective points for strong image realization, some of radiographic influence should be found beyond the limits of perceptions and radiographic outcomes as found through values that radiographic ideas do represent in a wider  image realization context. However, some better application of radiographic image might have ample linkage to radiographic image organization, with outcome posed on the image realization, formed within radiography process as mammography determines solid manifestation of image assessment in right perspective (Smith and Younger, 2002). Indeed, radiographic image utilize concepts of mammography through CAD because of informed image realization as endured in timely interpretation. The radiographic alignment processes whereby has the effect of imaging which serves an ideal radiographic image experience and guide radiographic image actions, including assessment pathways and decision making, allowing immediate radiographic stature. There stresses out how radiographic image assessment have to be directed toward identifiable image relevance imposed into radiographic effective norms. The radiographers can believe that, radiographic image focus more on the operative success and have such fears of attaining image interpretation risks and radiographic issues, to be effective from within radiographic image concepts along with ideal viewing of radiograph outputs as beyond pressing impact towards radiographic image values. The radiographers are becoming more attached and at the same time are affected by radiographic image challenge that can be assumed into radiographic tools development and certain related change, the idea of radiographic image is evident from within integrative radiographic matters allowing image dimensions to take place. The radiographic image integration will then balances image aspect into patterns and operational cycle from radiographic image inclusion from the needs as well as concerns of radiographers and radiographic modification.   Reflection Indeed, one factor which will influence the contribution of radiographers to the trauma image review process is the rapid technological evolution that is occurring with radiographers and other health professionals increasingly reviewing soft copy images into the computer monitor rather than on radiographic imaging. The radiographic image result can amiably suggest that the introduction of computerized image detection systems has reduced the use of the traditional ‘red dot’ sticker to highlight abnormal images and has in turn created uncertainty among the radiographic profession as to how best adapt traditional radiographic image in the light of innovative technology posits. The great variety of methods identified in the study to highlight abnormal images suggests that the introduction of CAD and mammography might have exacerbated radiographic image  inconsistency and more radiography centered work is required to determine best practice for radiographers to effectively communicate radiographic image interpretation as well as research findings to radiographic image team.   Generalizations and Recommendations There are some generalizations posed upon utilizing radiographic image concepts as first, it must be possible to associate unique radiographic image ways into assessment image process, the radiographers must be able to make good radiographic image connection, perhaps by using unique radiographic image methods and some resource models and associate them with the components that made radiographic image process adaptable in the medical field. There is the need to acquire useful radiographic image principles generating assessment functions to adjust radiographic image situations and implement better outcome formation. Thus, the understanding and being aware of such actual radiographic image behavior posited by radiographic team, the radiographic image system undergoes vivid application and can be used as enough image assumption to gain effective value and output mechanism, for creation of radiographic assimilation. Then, by tracing radiographic image paths from assessment tools, radiographic image utilize the integration of the radiographic application and components, as easily determine how the radiographic process is shared across interpretative domains of outcome recognition. Furthermore, radiographic image systems that emerged, how the radiographic image ways will interact according to standards and conformity, the understanding of radiographic image relationship will enable issues and or problems of image diagnosis to be resolved. The radiographic image function, can rely on error indication of the known assimilation and outcome documentation, which are image feasible for changing radiographic image idealisms as possible and depending on radiographic image nature as well as assessment recognition, radiographic image sites will then increase the competence posits of radiographic image to allow radiography foundation at its best. Therefore, the radiographers uses radiographic image interpretation in relation to radiographic management in tough and positive image valuation, as radiographic modes have ample desire for certain ideal and automatic radiographic image integration within underlying radiographic image mechanism, assuming good radiographic image organization formed into constructive radiographic image texture as well as structure for the application of radiographic image assessment ways into radiographic image realization and process. In order to ascertain image interoperations as well as the producing of high quality radiographs, the radiographer must also be skilled in radiographic interpretation. Interpretation of radiographs takes place in some initial steps of detection and interpretation, as well as assessment or evaluation and that the radiographic image steps make use of the radiographer’s visual perception from the ability to resolve spatial prototype into the radiographic image (NDT Resource Center). The ability of an radiographer as well as viewers in detecting discontinuities in radiography are being affected by the lighting condition in the place of image viewing, and the experience level for recognizing various features into the actual radiographic image. The essay material will be in development upon helping  the researchers to create ample and ideal understanding of radiographic image types as to be found into the radiographic image approach and how interoperations appear into the actual assimilation of radiographs. Truly, today’s radiographic image organization is pivotal to the center activities of radiography and its management linking to the radiographic image performance, imposing actual radiographic image phenomenon from within assessment manifestation as developed. The radiographic image sense is based on core assessment outcomes as the image determination are handled into image dynamics, exploring radiography in terms of better assessment directions, meeting the radiographic image standard, to put effective agenda on the radiographic image approach for good radiographic action into positive image composition.  Thus, the radiographic image performance is seen and there is achievement of more radiographic image nature as regardless of image pressure, for effective radiograph execution recognizing points upon radiographic image utilization in relation to viewers interpretation. The radiographic strategy may not be properly functioning, as there can be lots of issues concerning to radiographic image resource into comprehensive evaluation, strengthening of radiographic image assessment is crucial to radiography development generating stable and successful radiographic image interpretation. Aside, radiographic image ways being utilized may not be updated and might not follow certain assessment guidelines deemed possible for radiographic welfare of outcomes known.   References  Eng, J. et al. (2000), Interpretation of Emergency Department Radiographs: A Comparison of Emergency Medicine Physicians with Radiologists, Residents with Faculty, and Film with Digital Display.  American Roentgen Ray Society AJR:175, November 2000   Firestone, Greer and Patel, Duncan, R. Heaven, T. and Weems, A. (1995),  Using computers to diagnose and plan treatment of approximal caries. Detected in radiographs. Journal of  American Dentistry Association 1995;126;873-882   Giger, M. (date not mentioned), Computer-aided Diagnosis in Medical Imaging: A New Era in Image Interpretation pp. 75-79   Hardy, M and Snaith, B. (2005), Developing and implementing radiographer comments schemes: Issues for consideration. Synergy, 11: 5-9.   NDT Resource Center Available online at:  <http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/Radiography/TechCalibrations/RadiographInterp_Castings.htm>   Peterson, C. (1999), Factors associated with success or failure in radiological interpretation: diagnostic thinking approaches. Blackwell Science Ltd MEDICAL EDUCATION 1999;33:251-259   Smith, T. and Younger, C. (2002), Accident and Emergency Radiological Interpretation Using the Radiographer Opinion Form (ROF) The  Radiographer – 1’01. 49. no. 1, April 2002   Suryanarayanan, S. Karellas, A. Vedantham, S. Ved, H. Baker, S. and D’Orsi, C. (2002), Flat-Panel Digital Mammography System: Contrast-Detail Comparison between Screen-Film Radiographs and Hard-Copy Images. Experimental Studies, Radiology 225:801–807   Tugnait, A. (2008). The usefulness of radiographs in diagnosis and management of periodontal diseases: a review. Journal of Dentistry, Volume 28, Issue 4, Pages 219-226   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE INTERPRETATION ESSAY

RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE INTERPRETATION ESSAY Introduction In medical setting, radiography plays a role in diagnosing certain patient con...