Comparison of reporting radiographers' and medical doctors' performance in reporting radiographs of the appendicular skeleton, referred by the emergency department.

INTRODUCTION: There is an increasing trend towards deploying reporting radiographers in Danish hospitals who, among various professional groups, interpret and report skeletal radiographs from the emergency department (ED). This study aimed to compare the quality of the reports issued by reporting radiographers to three different groups of medical doctors (MDs) who interpret or report skeletal radiographs at the ED. METHODS: Four professional groups (i.e. four reporting radiographers, two radiology trainees, two orthopaedic senior trainees, and two orthopaedic trainees) reported 100 radiographs of the appendicular skeleton. The Consequence of clinical Outcome score (CO-score), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of each group were compared. The relative risk of a false-negative, false-positive or wrong result, the risk of a serious error, as well as the odds ratio of a more severe CO-score for each of the three MD groups, were compared to the reporting radiographers. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the groups in reference to the CO-score (P ≤ 0.001), accuracy (P = .003), specificity (P = .022), and in the proportion of serious errors (P ≤ 0.001). Compared to the reporting radiographers, all three groups of MDs showed a significantly higher CO-score and a significantly increased risk of a wrong result. Moreover, two of the MD groups showed a significantly increased risk of a false-positive result and for severe errors. CONCLUSION: Based on the CO-score, the relative risk of errors, which could potentially cause malpractice in treatment and patient recall, significantly decreased when the reports were completed by reporting radiographers. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: To explore the need for a 24-h radiographer reporting service to the EDs, an upscaled study, like the current, with more participants representing the professional groups is highly recommended.

CO-score; a new method for quality assessment of radiology reports.

INTRODUCTION: Studies on assessing radiology reports commonly calculates sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, which estimates if the observer has tendency to overdiagnose, overlook pathology, or both. This pilot study examines a new method for assessing the quality of radiology reports, based on the patients' clinical outcome. METHODS: Two observers evaluated five hundred reports by four experienced reporting radiographers on X-ray images of the appendicular skeleton. The observers categorised the reports as true or false and gradated the quality of the report from 1 to 3 based on the patients' clinical outcome. We developed a new performance score, called the Consequence of Clinical Outcome (CO-score), which combines the amount of incorrect reports and the severity of errors, to assess the overall quality of the reports. A low CO-score represents high quality with few or inconsiderate errors. RESULTS: The results showed no direct connection between high accuracy and low CO-score. All radiographers achieved high levels of accuracy (range: 96.8%-100%) but varied in CO-score (range: 0.00-0.14). One radiographer achieved an accuracy of 97.6% but a high CO-score of 0.14 as four reports had clinical consequence for the patients and five reports lacked minor details. One report was classified as true positive but was inadequate and led to wrong treatment. CONCLUSION: This study shows that true reports can affect the patients' clinical outcome and reports classified as false can represent insignificant errors. The new CO-score gives a more nuanced view of the reporting quality by including the patients' clinical outcome in the performance score. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: We suggest that the CO-score is included as a supplement to the common methods in future studies assessing the quality of radiology reports as well as in clinical audits.

Repeated treatments of drooling with botulinum toxin B in neurology.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate efficacy, saliva flow, and composition in repeated BoNT-B treatments of drooling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen neurological patients (median 66 years), referred for treatment of drooling participated in this observational study. Median total doses of 4000 units botulinum toxin type B (BoNT-B, Neurobloc(®)) were injected with at least 3 months intervals into parotid and submandibular glands using ultrasound guidance. Measures of drooling and saliva collection for analysis were obtained before treatment, and 6, 12, and eventually 18 weeks after. RESULTS: Number of treatment series in each patient was 1-7. Compared to baseline, saliva flow rate and drooling were reduced 30-70% 6 weeks after treatment in the first series, while sodium, chloride, and total protein increased 20-80% (t-tests; P < 0.05). After 12 weeks, drooling was still significantly reduced, saliva flow tended to be, and saliva composition was back to baseline. Frequent side effects were viscous saliva and dry mouth. Due to fading effect in eight patients, individual decisions were taken to change from BoNT-B to BoNT-A. Similarly, the outcome was significantly reduced over time in six patients completing five subsequent BoNT-B treatment series (ANOVA; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the first series, BoNT-B treatment resulted in marked reduction of drooling and saliva flow rate with some relapse after 12 weeks. The viscous saliva was ascribed to increased total protein content and compensatory mechanisms related to ß-adrenergic receptor-specific actions. With patients needing long-term treatment, it should be noted that the efficacy of repeated BoNT-B may fade with time.

Resource recovery from urban stock, the example of cadmium and tellurium from thin film module recycling.

Raw material supply is essential for all industrial activities. The use of secondary raw material gains more importance since ore grade in primary production is decreasing. Meanwhile urban stock contains considerable amounts of various elements. Photovoltaic (PV) generating systems are part of the urban stock and recycling technologies for PV thin film modules with CdTe as semiconductor are needed because cadmium could cause hazardous environmental impact and tellurium is a scarce element where future supply might be constrained. The paper describes a sequence of mechanical processing techniques for end-of-life PV thin film modules consisting of sandblasting and flotation. Separation of the semiconductor material from the glass surface was possible, however, enrichment and yield of valuables in the flotation step were non-satisfying. Nevertheless, recovery of valuable metals from urban stock is a viable method for the extension of the availability of limited natural resources.

Radiographers and trainee radiologists reporting accident radiographs: a comparative plain film-reading performance study.

AIM: To compare the diagnostic accuracy and clinical validity of reporting radiographers with that of trainee radiologists whom they have recently joined in reporting emergency room radiographs at Bispebjerg University Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plain radiographs of the appendicular skeleton from 1000 consecutive emergency room patients were included in the study: 500 primarily reported by radiographers and 500 by trainee radiologists. The final reporting was subsequently undertaken by a consultant radiologist in consensus with an orthopaedic surgeon. Two observers classified reports as either true positive/negative or false positive/negative based on the final report, which was considered the reference standard. To evaluate the severity of incorrect primary reports, errors were graded into three categories concerning clinical impact and erroneous reports graded as the most severe category were subsequently analysed. Mann-Whitney and Chi-squared tests were used to compare differences and associations between radiographers versus trainee radiologists regarding film reporting. RESULTS: The sensitivity for correct diagnosis was 99% for reporting radiographers and 94% for trainee radiologists. The specificity was found to be 97% for reporting radiographers and 99% for trainee radiologists. Radiographers missed significantly fewer fractures (n = 2) than trainee radiologists (n = 14; p = 0.006) but had a higher, but not significant, degree of over-calling. No significant difference was found between groups regarding clinical impact of incorrect reporting. CONCLUSION: Trained radiographers report accident radiographs of the extremities with high accuracy and constitute a qualified resource to help meet increasing workload and demands in quality standards.

Two-dimensional fusion imaging of planar bone scintigraphy and radiographs in patients with clinical scaphoid fracture: an imaging study.

BACKGROUND: Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now considered the gold standard in second-line imaging of patients with suspected scaphoid fracture and negative radiographs, bone scintigraphy can be used in patients with pacemakers, metallic implants, or other contraindications to MRI. Bone scintigraphy is highly sensitive for the detection of fractures, but exact localization of scintigraphic lesions may be difficult and can negatively affect diagnostic accuracy. PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of image fusion of planar bone scintigraphy and radiographs on image interpretation in patients with suspected scaphoid fracture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 24 consecutive patients with suspected scaphoid fracture, a standard planar bone scintigraphy of both hands was supplemented with fusion imaging of the injured wrist. Standard and fusion images were evaluated independently by three experienced nuclear medicine physicians. In addition to the diagnosis, the degree of diagnostic confidence was scored in each case. RESULTS: The addition of fusion images changed the interpretation of each of the three observers in seven, four, and two cases, respectively, reducing the number of positive interpretations of two of the observers from 11 and nine cases to six and seven cases, respectively. The degree of diagnostic confidence increased significantly in two observers, and interobserver agreement increased in all three pairs of observers from 0.83, 0.57, and 0.73 to 0.89, 0.8, and 0.9, respectively. CONCLUSION: Image fusion of planar bone scintigrams and radiographs has a significant influence on image interpretation and increases both diagnostic confidence and interobserver agreement.

Dimensions and aspects of longing: age and gender differences in Swedish 9-, 12-, and 15-year-old children.

Longing can be defined as a secondary emotion, as a blend of the primary emotions of love and sadness. There are several possible dimensions and aspects of longing (O. Holm, 1999). Both age and gender differences are well documented in earlier research on other emotions. In the present investigation, 122 girls and 120 boys, ages 9, 12, and 15 years, in compulsory school in Sweden, answered a questionnaire about dimensions and aspects of their own longing. The results showed both age and gender differences. Girls, especially in the 15-year-old group, experienced longing significantly more than boys. The results were interpreted as generally in accordance with what is known from earlier research on other emotions.

Spotting of disc haemorrhages on fundus pictures; on Kodachrome slides and on digitally enhanced images.

PURPOSE: To find out whether digital processing can facilitate interpretation of fundus photographs. METHODS: Digitised fundus pictures were manipulated and enhanced by a process called histogram equalisation. Essentially, the gamma values for red (R), green (G), and blue (B) were separately modified. The principle is explained and exemplified. MATERIAL AND RESULTS: Small disc haemorrhages, which may normally be hard to detect, became more visible after histogram equalisation, which is demonstrated in test series. CONCLUSION: Digital histogram equalisation offers a new way of looking at fundus pictures, which, alone or combined with other capabilities of digital processing, has great potential for diagnosis, as well as for follow up studies. The possibility to decide the true nature of suspect spots after applying the enhancement procedure is likewise of great value.

[Chronic Monteggia injury in a child]. / Kronisk Monteggia-laesion hos et barn.

The case of a Monteggia fracture neglected from two years of age and seen at the age of fourteen, is described. A shortening of the affected ulna by three cm and a relative elongation of the radius was found. The function of the arm and elbow joint was remarkably unaffected with nearly full extension and flexion, supination and pronation. The carrying angle was ten degrees on both sides. Based on the literature, it is stressed that diagnosis and treatment of Monteggia lesions should be immediate. Complications in non-treated cases and at late treatment are many, and the results of such treatment dubious. It is thus of great importance that, when dealing with ulnar fracture a radiograph is also taken of the elbow joint to secure immediate diagnosis.

Photographic detection of retinopathy in insulin-treated diabetes. A population study in the city of Tartu, Estonia.

PURPOSE: To perform a cross-sectional baseline investigation of diabetic retinopathy prevalence and metabolic control. METHODS: Using a register of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in Tartu (pop. 104,791), 175 patients were invited to fundus photography; 149 (89%) participated, 99 of them diagnosed with diabetes before the age of thirty. Four Kodachrome 64 photographs per eye were taken with a Canon CR4 - 45NM camera through tropicamide-dilated pupils; slides were projected and systematically graded. Capillary blood samples (n = 132) for HbA1c determination were mailed on filter paper. Following cysteine buffer elution, Mono S ion exchange chromatography was performed (reference range 3.7 to 5.3%). RESULTS: Any diabetic retinopathy was found in 114 patients (76.5%; 95% confidence interval, CI, 70 to 83%); mild to moderate non-proliferative retinopathy in 59 (40%; 95% CI 32 to 48%); severe non-proliferative retinopathy in 29 (19.5%; 95% CI 13 to 26%); proliferative retinopathy in 26 (17%; 95% CI 11 to 24%); 47 patients (32%) needed laser photocoagulation. Vitreous haemorrhage was observed in 9 (6%) of subjects. In patients diagnosed with diabetes before the age of 30 years, prevalence of any retinopathy was 82% (95% CI 73 to 89%) and of proliferative retinopathy 23% (95% CI 15 to 33%). Median HbA1c was 9.7% for women and 8.6% for men (95% CI for difference 0.7 to 2.1%). CONCLUSION: Retinopathy prevalences (76-82%) are the highest reported from population-based studies. Glycaemia levels were very high and should be gradually lowered. Methods capable of validation can be successfully introduced for population-based assessment of hyperglycaemia and retinopathy prevalences.

[Relevance of the 112-emergency calls among the clientele of the emergency department of the Herlev hospital admitting office]. / Relevansen af alarm 112-opkald blandt skadestueklientel i amtssygehuset i herlevs optagelsesområde.

It is a common view, shared by Emergency Department staff and ambulance crews, that a large number of patients unnecessarily use Emergency Service ambulances instead of transporting themselves to the hospital by other, more appropriate means. In this retrospective study, 528 consecutive Emergency Service calls to the Herlev Hospital Casualty/Emergency Department during a six week period were reviewed for relevance. Attention was solely aimed at the relevance of the use of Emergency Service ambulances in each case, but not on patient or health care providers' perception of urgency. All calls resulting in admission to hospital were pre-defined as being relevant. Seventeen point six percent of all calls were deemed irrelevant. Thirty-three percent of all calls not resulting in admission were deemed irrelevant. The results confirm Emergency Department health care providers' and ambulance crews' view that Emergency Service ambulances are used inappropriately by the public.

Digitizing 35 mm colour slides for computerized general image handling in ophthalmology.

Standard personal computers with appropriate graphic user interfaces can now be configured for work with near photographic quality colour image handling. Advantages and limitations of digitized colour image work, including cost considerations, are discussed in relation to some common ophthalmic photography situations. Practical methods are briefly described. Future developments are outlined, particularly methods for direct acquisition of high quality colour images and image compression/reduction.

Non-traumatic recurrent corneal erosion. A study based on sequential photomacrographic recordings.

A case of non-traumatic recurrent corneal erosion was studied for several days by means of non-contact photomacrography. The development of cysts and fingerprint-like lines was registered. A previous suggestion based on histological evidence regarding the origin of some of the cysts, could be confirmed.

Photography in vivo of epithelial lesions in the human cornea with non-contact high magnification technique.

A technique is described for high magnification in vivo photography of epithelial lesions in the human cornea. Combining use of a high resolution, long working-distance microscope type lens with two-step photographic enlargement techniques results in photomacrographs with effective linear magnification of up to 500 X. The method allows studies of size and shape and crude details of epithelial cells.

Technique for testing the patency of laser iridotomies.

With laser iridotomy it may often be difficult to achieve total penetration of the iris, particularly in very light or very dark irides. It may be impossible to determine with the slit-lamp whether a small laser iridotomy is functionally penetrating. We describe a straightforward method to test iridotomies for aqueous flow patency. Transcorneally introduced fluorescein is used to delineate any aqueous bulk flow from the posterior to the anterior chamber.

Four factors affecting perceived aggressiveness.

In the first of three experiments a distinction was made between cause (intent) and reason, and predictions about their respective effects on perceived aggressiveness were assessed. Both factors were found to influence subjects' perceptions. A second experiment found the effects of six different modes of harming to vary under different conditions of intent and reason. In a third experiment the four factors--intent, reason, mode of harm, and severity of harm--were all found to influence subjects' perceptions of aggressiveness. Different experimental designs were used to control for demand characteristics. In order to control for sophistication that might be associated with students of behavioral science, employees at a hospital were chosen as subjects in two of the experiments. A phenomenon common for all three experiments--most of the subjects who had attributed no intent to harm to the actor nevertheless rated him as displaying aggressiveness--was discussed with reference to the factors of mode and severity in harm.