Individual patient radiation dose tracking: Perceptions of radiographers in South Africa.

Introduction: Medical imaging examinations that make use of ionising radiation provide valuable information towards patient management. Literature suggests that there is a significant rise in the number of patient referrals for such examinations. The concept "individual patient radiation dose tracking" (IPRDT) is introduced to optimise radiation monitoring.

Local diagnostic reference levels for routine chest X-ray examinations at a public sector hospital in central South Africa.

Background: Dose optimisation is a radiation protection guideline recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) for adherence to the 'as low as reasonably achievable' (ALARA) principle. Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are used to optimise patients' radiation protection for diagnostic and interventional procedures and are particularly useful for frequently performed examinations such as chest X-rays.

Aim: To establish the local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) for routine chest X-rays.

Simulation based learning to facilitate clinical readiness in diagnostic radiography. A meta-synthesis.

Introduction: Simulation based learning (SBL) has been used in diagnostic radiography for teaching and learning purposes. However, the method of offering the SBL opportunities has not been placed in the context of whether the experiences provide the student with a real life simulation. Moreover, in the light of the current staff shortages and healthcare issues in South Africa, placing students into the clinical practice without sound grounding in the application of theory into practice would be unfair to the student and patients.

International Student Mobility in Radiography: Agency and Experience.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate student exchange experiences to gain insight into what students perceived as benefits, challenges, and overall areas for improvement that might inform and enhance future exchange projects.

Methods: A general program evaluation survey, adapted to address the project objectives, was conducted. Eight students from Norway, Canada, and South Africa participating in an international exchange project completed an online survey.

A multi institutional comparison of imaging dose and technique protocols for neonatal chest radiography.

Introduction: The focus on paediatric radiation dose reduction supports reevaluation of paediatric imaging protocols. This is particularly important in the neonates where chest radiographs are frequently requested to assess respiratory illness and line placement. This study aims to assess the impact of neonatal chest radiographic protocols on patient dose in four hospitals in different countries.