Perceptions of radiographers regarding establishing a self-regulatory body for radiation safety in Eswatini.

INTRODUCTION: Eswatini remains one of the countries in Southern Africa without a regulating authority for radiation safety in the radiography departments. Quality control (QC) tests and radiation protection practices are unmonitored. This study sought to explore radiographers' perceptions regarding establishing a self-regulatory body that will formulate, implement and monitor compliance of standardised guidelines for radiation safety. METHODS: A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research approach was undertaken. Radiographers currently registered and practicing in Eswatini were purposively selected and invited to participate. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Audiotapes and field notes were used. Audio taped interviews were transcribed verbatim and then analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Six themes emerged from the analysis of data, namely; a) awareness of the need for QC tests, b) radiation protection and safety in the radiography departments, c) radiographers' responsibility towards radiation protection, d) education and training in radiation safety for radiographers and other stakeholders, e) support from governmental and management structures and f) the need for the self-regulatory body in the radiography departments. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that there is awareness among radiographers in Eswatini that radiation safety practices are necessary in the radiography departments. Continuous education and training were deemed as imperative to improve radiation safety in the radiography departments. There is also support for the idea of establishing the self-regulatory body. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The need for monitoring structures in order to ensure radiation safety in the radiography departments is highlighted in this study. Government officials and hospital management are crucial in ensuring radiation safety in radiography departments.

Photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) using Mg-doped WO3 nanoparticles.

The hydrothermal synthesis method was employed for the fabrication of pristine tungsten trioxide (WO3) and that of varying dopant percentages (1, 3 and 5% m/m) of magnesium (Mg-WO3). The optical and structural properties of the synthesized materials were characterized using DRS, XRD, FTIR, TEM, BET, FESEM, XPS, PL, and Raman. Rectangular shaped nanostructures were observed through FESEM, wherein confirmed as monoclinic with the aid of XRD, FTIR and Raman analysis. Visualization of the doping was carried out using HRTEM imagery, which was also confirmed by a slight increase (0.0069 nm) of d spacing. As a consequence, band gaps were diminished and band edge positions were shifted. Band edge position shifts were confirmed via XPS analysis (0.08 eV). The point of zero charge was observed to shift towards positive upon doping at working pH 1 and 3.75 pH was the highest recorded. The rate of recombination was greatly reduced upon doping was observed through PL analysis. This was supported by DFT calculations, in which case the reduction of the rate of recombination was attributed to the introduction of Mg orbital. An improved efficiency was observed via the photo reduction of Cr(VI) metal ion in waste water, in which case, 97% reduction was attained.

Perceptions and short-term experiences of newly qualified radiographers performing compulsory community service.

INTRODUCTION: Compulsory community service (CCS) is a concept that was adopted by many countries as a strategy to address the shortage of health workers. CCS was initiated in 1997 in the South African healthcare system to alleviate improper distribution of health workers in the public sector. CCS experiences of various health professions excluding radiographers were explored where debates regarding the impact, experiences and perceptions of the CCS year are ongoing. This study aimed to describe the perceptions and short-term experiences of newly qualified radiographers performing CCS in Gauteng, South Africa. METHODS: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted using a questionnaire distributed to 81 newly qualified radiographers who had started CCS in the Gauteng province in 2017 across 11 radiology departments. A response rate of 48.1% (n = 39) was obtained. RESULTS: Newly qualified radiographers understood the objectives of CCS and felt adequately prepared for their roles as CCS radiographers in terms of education skills acquired and role expectations. Participants felt confident to commence their duties and were not intimidated by their work environments. Orientation, mentoring and supervision were identified to be the main challenges during the CCS year. CONCLUSION: The concept of CCS is widely accepted and regarded beneficial by CCS radiographers. Similar challenges emerged as reported by other health professionals despite the presence of role models. The development and implementation of structured guidelines regarding orientation and mentoring of CCS health professionals is strongly recommended to address the needs identified by this study.

An evaluation of the District Health Information System in rural South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Since reliable health information is essential for the planning and management of health services, we investigated the functioning of the District Health Information System (DHIS) in 10 rural clinics. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: Semi-structured key informant interviews were conducted with clinic managers, supervisors and district information staff. Data collected over a 12-month period for each clinic were assessed for missing data, data out of minimum and maximum ranges, and validation rule violations. SETTING: Our investigation was part of a larger study on improving information systems for primary care in rural KwaZulu-Natal. OUTCOMES: We assessed data quality, the utilisation for facility management, perceptions of work burden, and usefulness of the system to clinic staff. RESULTS: A high perceived work burden associated with data collection and collation was found. Some data collation tools were not used as intended. There was good understanding of the data collection and collation process but little analysis, interpretation or utilisation of data. Feedback to clinics occurred rarely. In the 10 clinics, 2.5% of data values were missing, and 25% of data were outside expected ranges without an explanation provided. CONCLUSIONS: The culture of information use essential to an information system having an impact at the local level is weak in these clinics or at the sub-district level. Further training and support is required for the DHIS to function as intended.