Kira J. Carbonneau

Pediatric digital radiography education for radiologic technologists: current state.

BackgroundDigital radiography (DR) is one of several new products that have changed our work processes from hard copy to digital formats. The transition from analog screen-film radiography to DR requires thorough user education because of differences in image production, processing, storage and evaluation between the forms of radiography. Without adequate education, radiologic technologists could unknowingly expose children to higher radiation doses than necessary for adequate radiograph quality.ObjectiveTo evaluate knowledge about image quality and dose management in pediatric DR among radiologic technologists in the U.S.Materials and methodsThis communication describes a survey of 493 radiologic technologists who are members of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and who evaluated the current state of radiological technologist education in image quality and dose management in pediatric DR. The survey included 23 survey questions regarding image acquisition issues, quality assurance, radiation exposure and education in DR of infants and children.ResultsRadiologic technologists express many needs in areas of training and education in pediatric DR. Suggested improvements include better tools for immediate feedback about image quality and exposure, more information about appropriate technique settings for pediatric patients, more user-friendly vendor manuals and educational materials, more reliable measures of radiation exposure to patients, and more regular and frequent follow-up by equipment vendors.ConclusionThere is a clear and widespread need for comprehensive and practical education in digital image technology for radiologic technologists, especially those engaged in pediatric radiography. The creation of better educational materials and training programs, and the continuation of educational opportunities will require a broad commitment from equipment manufacturers and vendors, educational institutions, pediatric radiology specialty organizations, and individual imaging specialists.

Instructional Guidance and Realism of Manipulatives Influence Preschool Children's Mathematics Learning.

Educators often use manipulatives when teaching mathematics because manipulatives are assumed to promote learning. However, research indicates that instructional variables impact the effectiveness of manipulatives. In this article, the authors consider the relations between two instructional characteristics: (a) level of instructional guidance and (b) perceptual qualities of manipulatives. Results from the randomized experiment with preschoolers (N = 72) suggest that learning is improved when instruction is conducted with high levels of instructional guidance and is impacted by the perceptual qualities of manipulatives. Perceptually rich manipulatives decreased learner performance on outcomes associated with conceptual knowledge and improved performance on transfer of learning. In addition, transfer was positively affected by perceptually rich manipulatives when low levels of instructional guidance were present.

Magnetic resonance imaging versus computed tomography to plan hemilaminectomies in chondrodystrophic dogs with intervertebral disc extrusion

OBJECTIVE To determine the influence of preoperative computed tomography (CT) versus magnetic resonance (MR) on hemilaminectomies planned to treat thoracolumbar (TL) intervertebral disc (IVD) extrusions in chondrodystrophic dogs. STUDY DESIGN Prospective clinical study. SAMPLE POPULATION Forty chondrodystrophic dogs with TL IVD extrusion and preoperative CT and MR studies. METHODS MR and CT images were randomized and reviewed by 4 observers masked to the dogs identity and corresponding imaging studies. Observers planned the location along the spine, side, and extent (number of articular facets to be removed) based on individual reviews of CT and MR studies. Intra-observer agreement was determined between overall surgical plan, location, side, and size of the hemilaminectomy planned on CT versus MR of the same dog. RESULTS Similar surgical plans were developed based on MR versus CT in 43.5%-66.6% of dogs, depending on the observer. Intra-observer agreement in location, side, and size of the planned hemilaminectomy based on CT versus MR ranged between 48.7%-66.6%, 87%-92%, and 51.2%-71.7% of dogs, respectively. Observers tended to plan larger laminectomy defects based on MR versus CT of the same dog. CONCLUSION Findings from this study indicated considerable differences in hemilaminectomies planned on preoperative MR versus CT imaging. Surgical location and size varied the most; the side of planned hemilaminectomies was most consistent between imaging modalities.

State Population as a Predictor of Radiation Therapy Staffing Levels

PURPOSE Considering the cyclical nature of shortages and oversupplies of staffing levels in the labor force, an accurate prediction of future demand for personnel is of great importance. Historically, the profession of radiation therapy has been plagued with these cycles. This study establishes state population as a strong predictor of radiation therapy staffing levels. METHODS A linear regression analysis was performed to determine the association between state population and radiation therapy staffing levels from 2002 to 2010. RESULTS State population is a significant and substantial predictor variable for the number of actively employed and registered radiation therapists, with 89.5% to 91.4% of the variance accounted for from 2002 to 2010. CONCLUSIONS Additional research in estimating future demand in radiation therapy is possible. By monitoring change in state population, health care professionals can proactively address cycles of shortages and oversupplies in staffing levels.