Breast density awareness and cancer risk in the UAE: Enhancing Women's engagement in early detection.

Introduction: Increased breast density (BD) is significantly correlated to higher rates of breast cancer (BC), yet awareness among women remains low. This study assesses women's understanding of BD, its implications for cancer risk, and their engagement in screening practices.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 212 women aged 40 to 74 was conducted using an online questionnaire developed within Google Forms, including open and closed-ended questions.

Radiographers' knowledge, clinical expertise and application of pain management strategies in the radiology department - results from a qualitative focus group.

Background: Radiographers are frequently involved in imaging patients in pain thus requiring a heightened awareness and focus on this crucial issue.

Purpose: To explore the challenges radiographers encounter when imaging patients in pain and to identify strategies that could be implemented to improve overall patient-centered care.

Methods: A qualitative research study with a single focus group (FG) was conducted using six radiographers working within Irish hospitals.

Computed tomography versus radiography for the detection of rib and skull fractures in paediatric suspected physical abuse: a systematic review.

The diagnosis of suspected physical abuse (SPA) remains a continuous challenge to paediatric healthcare. Several studies have reported that computed tomography (CT) improves the evaluation of SPA. This study aims to systematically review the diagnostic performance of CT compared to radiography in investigating skull and chest fractures for SPA.

High workload and under-appreciation lead to burnout and low job satisfaction among radiographers.

Introduction: Burnout and low job satisfaction in healthcare can impact patient safety and staff retention. This study aims to gain information on the factors influencing burnout and job satisfaction among radiographers in the UK, Ireland and internationally. This can inform strategies for improving the workforce supply and demand imbalance.

Lessons on AI implementation from senior clinical practitioners: An exploratory qualitative study in medical imaging and radiotherapy in the UK.

Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform medical imaging and radiotherapy; both fields where radiographers' use of AI tools is increasing. This study aimed to explore the views of those professionals who are now using AI tools.

Methods: A small-scale exploratory research process was employed, where qualitative data was obtained from five UK-based participants; all professionals working in medical imaging and radiotherapy who use AI in clinical practice.

Automatic patient centering in computed tomography: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To comprehensively examine the influence of auto-patient centering technologies on positioning accuracy, radiation dose, image quality, and time efficiency of computed tomography (CT) scans.

Materials And Methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed English publications was performed between January 2000 and November 2023 in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science. Two postgraduate students and an academic lecturer independently reviewed the articles to verify adherence to the inclusion criteria.

Assessment of the role of experience in shaping sustainability perceptions within radiography.

Introduction: Perceptions of environmental sustainability among radiographers can potentially be influenced by individual experiences and educational backgrounds. This study aims to investigate the perceptions and practices of radiographers regarding sustainability initiatives, emphasizing the significance of understanding their diverse experiences and backgrounds.

Methods: This was an online survey involving 104 radiographers from various regions worldwide to evaluate their training related to global warming, their perceptions of sustainability, current practices, and the barriers they face in implementing sustainability practices.

Navigating the employment terrain in the Irish radiography sector.

Background: In Ireland, radiographers typically work in the public or private sector. This study investigates the determinants influencing radiographers' employment choices between the public and private sectors, offering employers valuable insights into the key factors that shape these decisions.

Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed nationally via social media and email.

Clinical insights into cross-sectional imaging integration in radiography education.

Introduction: Clinical practice is a critical component of radiography curricula, offering students with essential skills and training for proficient practice. Educational institutions are challenged to review and develop strategies to meet evolving service demands regularly. This study aims to gain insight into the inclusion of cross-sectional imaging within pre-registration radiography training.

Radiographers' perspectives on immobilisation and restraint mechanisms in paediatric radiography.

Introduction: The utilisation of immobilisation or restraint during paediatric radiography is a multifactorial issue with associated legal and ethical considerations. Current practice regularly presents challenges for radiographers, with a notable absence of any professional best-practice guidance. This study investigated radiographers' perspectives in Ireland on the use of immobilisation or restraint methods and the factors influencing these choices and aimed to fill the 20-year gap in European radiographers' perspectives gaining an up-to-date understanding and contribute to the global conversation in this regard.

Mind the gap: Gender disparities in authorship in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences.

Introduction: Research studies tracking gender and academic publication productivity in healthcare find gender disparities in research activity, publication, and authorship. Article authorship is one of the important metrics to track when seeking to understand gender inequality in academic career advancement. Research on gender disparities in publication productivity in the field of Medical Radiation Science (MRS) is very limited thus this study analyses and explains potential gender differences in article authorship and acceptance for publication in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (JMIRS) for a 5-year period (2017-2021).

More sustainable use of iodinated contrast media - Why?

Objectives: Based on a narrative review of the literature to 1) assess the need for and 2) report methods to help deliver a sustainable approach to iodinated contrast media (ICM) administration.

Key Findings: Acute ICM shortages have been noted in the literature. As demand for contrast-enhanced imaging continues to increase and access to raw materials becomes more limited, such events may increase.

Green radiography: Exploring perceptions, practices, and barriers to sustainability.

Introduction: Previous research has delved into the attitudes and behaviors of diverse professions regarding environmental sustainability. However, there needs to be more research specifically targeting radiographers. This study aims to survey radiographers' perceptions, practices, and barriers to change concerning environmental sustainability in radiology.

An investigation into the current perceptions of Irish Radiographers regarding patient-practitioner communication.

Introduction: Many of the tasks performed by radiographers rely on effective communication with patients. This study aims to evaluate radiographers' experiences communicating with patients to determine what communication skills they believe they have, challenges they encounter and any familiarity with communication tools. It also assesses their willingness to accept further training and utilise recognised scripted communication tools, such as AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation and Thank you).

An investigation into the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of radiation protection in interventional radiology and cardiac catheter-laboratories.

Background: According to current literature, there is a lack of information regarding the radiation protection (RP) practices of interventional radiology (IR) and cardiology catheter laboratory (CCL) staff. This study aims to determine the RP practices of staff within IR and CCLs internationally and to suggest areas for improvement.

Methods: A cross-sectional study in the form of an online questionnaire was developed.

Cannabis use in Parkinson's disease: Patient access to medical cannabis and physician perspective on product safety.

The rate of medical cannabis use has increased in parallel with the number of states legalizing its use. Parkinson's disease (PD) patients are of particular concern due to their higher cannabis use rate than in the general US population (25-40 % PD patient cannabis users vs. ∼18 % in the general population), as well as their susceptibility to environmental contaminants in cannabis, including pesticides, toxic elements, solvents, microbes, and mycotoxins.

Expansion of Typical Values for Paediatric Patients in Ireland and Comparison with Published DRLs - Experiences of a Single Institution.

Introduction: To reduce the risks involved with ionising radiation exposure, typical values (TVs) and diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) have been established to help keep radiation doses 'as low as reasonably practicable. TVs/DRLs provide standardised radiation dose metrics that can be used for comparative purposes. However, for paediatrics, such values should consider the size of the child instead of their age.

Evolving radiographic practice: Identifying possible skill requirements for future radiographers practicing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Aim: This study aims to identify the prospective skill requirements for future radiographers practising in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Such information will inform educational institutions, healthcare organisations, and policymakers in developing effective strategies.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving currently practising radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists, sonographers, and radiation therapists in the UAE (n =74).

Risk factors associated with the development of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in Head and Neck cancer patients in Ireland: A 10-year retrospective review.

Background And Purposes: To assess osteoradionecrosis (ORN) incidence in a population of Irish Head and Neck cancer (HNC) patients, and assess precipitating factors that may contribute to ORN development to aid prevention.

Materials And Methods: Review of 1050 HNC patients attending the Dental Oncology Clinic, CUDSH between 2010 and 2021 identified 47 cases of ORN. Medical, dental and radiotherapy records of these forty-seven patients were retrospectively reviewed.

The Impact of Monetary Incentives on Delay Discounting Within a Year-Long Physical Activity Intervention.

Background: Delay discounting is the depreciation in a reward's perceived value as a function of the time until receipt. Monetary incentive programs that provide rewards contingent on meeting daily physical activity (PA) goals may change participants' delay discounting preferences.

Purpose: Determine if monetary incentives provided in close temporal proximity to meeting PA goals changed delay discounting, and if such changes mediated intervention effects.

Radiographers' perceptions of the experiences of patients with dementia attending the radiology department.

Background: Patients with dementia frequently present to the Radiology Department. However, stigmas have been recorded amongst radiographers surrounding imaging persons with dementia (PwD). This study aimed to investigate the impact of PwD attending the Radiology Department for imaging and the resultant effects to all patients, radiographers, and the Department from the perspectives of the examining radiographer.

AI implementation in the UK landscape: Knowledge of AI governance, perceived challenges and opportunities, and ways forward for radiographers.

Introduction: Despite the rapid increase of AI-enabled applications deployed in clinical practice, many challenges exist around AI implementation, including the clarity of governance frameworks, usability of validation of AI models, and customisation of training for radiographers. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers, with existing theoretical and/or practical knowledge of AI, on issues of relevance to the field, such as AI implementation, including knowledge of AI governance and procurement, perceptions about enablers and challenges and future priorities for AI adoption.

Methods: An online survey was designed and distributed to UK-based qualified radiographers who work in medical imaging and/or radiotherapy and have some previous theoretical and/or practical knowledge of working with AI.