Radiographer use of anatomical side markers and the latent conditions affecting their use in
practice
Engelsk titel: Radiographer use of anatomical side markers and the latent conditions affecting their use in
practice
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Författare:
Titley, Anna G
;
Cosson, Philip
Språk: Eng
Antal referenser: 39
Dokumenttyp:
Artikel
UI-nummer: 14093557
Sammanfattning
Background: Patient safety is a primary concern within the NHS. It has been reported
that anatomical side marker (ASM) use in radiography does not meet the ‘best practice’
standard. Case reports suggest this may be a contributing factor to adverse events in
healthcare.
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the latent conditions contributing to poor
ASM practice; communities of practice, time of image acquisition and competing priorities
with collimation practice.
Method: Proxy variables of projection and laterality were used to measure communities
of practice. ASM practice on 330 examinations (170 lumbar spine, 160 finger) was
retrospectively observed using a data collection tool. Aggregate scores were calculated
from the two images in each examination. Data was analysed using descriptive
statistics, chi-square tests (projection) and ManneWhitney U tests (laterality, time of
acquisition and collimation practice).
Results: ‘Best practice’ ASM use was met on one examination. Correct ASM were
observed within the primary collimation in 32.0% images. Projection, laterality and collimation
practice were associated with ASM use. Time of acquisition was not found to
be associated.
Discussion: Communities of practice and competing priorities impact on ASM use.
Logistic regression to determine a primary latent condition was not possible. However,
comparison with previous research suggests this is likely to be specific to each radiography
department.
Conclusion: Latent conditions are associated with poor ASM practice. These must be
identified and addressed in each individual radiography department, to improve patient
safety and uphold NHS Constitutional standards