Interpretation of radiographs: how good are Nigeria-trained radiographers?

Authors

  • Christopher Chukwuemeka Ohagwu Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nnewi Campus Anambra State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2823-4330
  • Christopher Ekene Ilounoh University Hospitals of Leicester Leicestershire, United Kingdom
  • Cletus Uche Eze Department of Radiography College of Medicine University of Lagos Lagos, Nigeria
  • Kalu Ochie Department of Radiography Evangel University, Akaeze Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
  • Rajuno Eteng University Hospitals of Leicester Leicestershire, United Kingdom
  • Uchenna Echefu Diana Princess of Wales Hospital Grimsby, United Kingdom
  • Andrew Uche Geprge Diana Princess of Wales Hospital Grimsby, United Kingdom

Keywords:

radiographer reporting, post-basic training, image interpretation

Abstract

Background. There is a shortage of radiologists in many countries, including Nigeria, which means that many radiographic examinations are unreported. Radiographers may be able therefore provide expert opinions on radiographs in the absence of a radiologist. 

Purpose. The study aimed to assess the performance of Nigerian-trained radiographers in the interpretation of radiographic images from a selected range of commonly performed radiographic investigations.

Methods. Ten Nigeria-trained radiographers participated in the study to interpret radiographs (films) from 1189 radiographic examinations. The interpretations of participant were compared with the reports of radiologists, which were regarded as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the participants’ interpretations were then determined.

Results. An overall sensitivity of 89.8%, a specificity of 93.5%, and an accuracy of 92.3% were achieved by the participants. Those with post-basic training in radiographic image interpretation performed significantly better than those without post-basic training (p < 0.0001). 

Conclusion. The performance of the selected Nigeria-trained radiographers in radiographic image interpretation was good when compared with the reports of radiologists. Post-basic training in x-ray film interpretation may result in higher accuracy. It is recommended that Nigerian radiographers with post-basic image interpretation training should assume x-ray film interpretation roles in public hospitals in Nigeria to reduce the number of unreported examinations in view of a shortage of radiologists.

Downloads

Published

2021-05-26

Issue

Vol. 59 No. 1 (2021)

Section

Original Articles

License

Copyright on all published material belongs to the Society of Radiographers of South Africa (SORSA).

I hereby understand and declare that:

  • All proprietary rights other than copyright are reserved to the authors, as well as the right to reproduce original figures and tables from this item in their future works, provided full credit is given to the original publication The South African Radiographer ISSN 0258 0241.
  • In consideration of the reviewing and editing done by the editors of The South African Radiographer of the above named manuscript, the author/s hereby transfer, assign, or otherwise convey all copyright ownership world-wide, in all languages, to the Society of Radiographers of South Africa in the event that this manuscript is accepted for publication.
  • If the manuscript has been commissioned by another person or organisation, or if it has been written as part of the duties of an employee, that full authorization has been given by the representative of the commissioning organisation or employer to be published in the The South African Radiographer.