/library/oar/handle/123456789/51387 2026-06-13T18:18:31Z 2026-06-13T18:18:31Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/53934 2020-11-15T07:01:00Z 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Radiographers' knowledge regarding the prevention of infectious diseases at a general hospital in Malta. Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether radiographers were knowledgeable in the prevention of infectious diseases at a general hospital in Malta. Research objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess radiographers' knowledge regarding the prevention of infectious diseases; to determine whether knowledge was influenced by gender, age or work experience; and to recommend methods for improving this knowledge. Methodology: The research design for this study was descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional and quantitative in nature and utilised a self-designed questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of close-ended questions with only a few of these questions containing an extended section where participants could elaborate on their answer. The questionnaire was distributed to 100 radiographers working at a general hospital in Malta. Results: The questionnaire was completed and returned by 72 participants giving a response rate of 72%. The results showed that radiographers were found to be knowledgeable in the prevention of infectious diseases and scored a total mean score of 85.8%. A statistically significant difference was found between males and females where females were found to be more knowledgeable than males and obtained a mean score of 87.11% in comparison to 83% obtained by males. No scientifically significant difference in knowledge was found between different age groups or between different working experience groups. It was noted that the lowest mean scores were obtained in questions regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPEs). Radiographers' opinion on the frequency of cleaning items/objects was found to be within an acceptable infection control time frame for most items/objects. The data also showed that 75% of respondents stated that PPEs were readily available in their workplace. It was found that the majority of radiographers (59.8%) believe that there is a strong to very strong relationship between workload and good infection control practice. The vast majority of radiographers (98.6%) considered the prevention of infectious diseases as part of their role as radiographers. Conclusion: The study concluded that participants were found to be knowledgeable in the prevention of infectious diseases. Nonetheless further training in this subject should be provided to continue developing radiographers' knowledge. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/53857 2020-11-13T13:49:55Z 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Investigating the attitudes of local radiographers towards the geriatric patient. Abstract: Purpose One of the main issues being discussed internationally and locally concerns the aging population. Older age increases the possibility of developing health problems and therefore will impose a greater demand on the health care system for resources such as radiographic imaging. It is therefore important that the radiographers demonstrate the adequate attitudes towards this aging population as these determine the quality of care delivered. Aims This study aims to investigate the attitudes held by the local radiographers towards the geriatric patient and to explore some factors which may serve as contributing factors to such attitudes Methodology The researcher made use of a well-established questionnaire - The Kogan Old People (KOP) Scale in adjunction with further questions to look into the attitudes of the radiographers towards the older patient. The researcher targeted the whole population of radiographers working in a large general hospital (n=l39), from which 49.6 % (n=69) participated in the study. The results were analysed utilising the SPSS software. Results The results obtained indicate that the radiographers working in a local hospital demonstrate an overall positive attitude towards the geriatric patient. The results obtained demonstrate a more positive attitude on behalf of the female radiographers, the older radiographers and those having more years of experience as a radiographer. However the findings were not found to be statistically significant. It was also seen that those radiographers living with or caring for older relatives exhibited more negative attitudes towards the geriatric patient. Conclusion The results indicate an overall positive attitude on behalf of the local radiographers. It is recommended that in order to meet the optimum health care service necessary, educational intervention through knowledge and work experience with the older patients is necessary to promote positive attitudes towards this age group. Moreover it is also recommended that further studies are carried out. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/53737 2020-11-15T07:01:06Z 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: To investigate referral criteria of patients with low back pain for an MRI lumber spine examination. Abstract: Objectives This study was undertaken to identify what referral criteria, if any, are being used by orthopaedic doctors at a local general hospital in Malta when referring a patient with low back pain for an MRI lumbar spine examination. Methodology The research design used in this study was a descriptive non-experimental prospective study. The research tool consisted of a questionnaire aimed at assessing 01thopaedic doctors' awareness of LBP guidelines, while exploring their perceptions of referral indications for an MRI lumbar spine in LBP patients. Results The results of the study showed that most orthopaedic doctors are aware of LBP guidelines, even though there are none locally. However, despite the fact that no guidelines are available locally, a minority still follow LBP guidelines. Most orthopaedic doctors agreed that guidelines should be introduced and adhered to locally. The current practice could be contributing to unnecessary referrals for LBP patients. Conclusions Based on the data obtained, the researcher recommended that this information be available so that orthopaedic doctors would become aware of LBP guidelines. Furthermore, the researcher recommends that national or hospital wide LBP guidelines within the Orthopaedic Outpatient Department should be adhered to and implemented by orthopaedic doctors. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/53653 2023-07-07T09:08:41Z 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Effects of collimation on image quality Abstract: Each year thousands of people undergo medical diagnostic examinations. Patients' knowledge regarding the imaging modalities varies widely. Lack of accurate knowledge about medical imaging procedures affects the patients approach towards these modalities and therefore their examinations. No previous studies to analyse the public perception of medical imaging in Malta have been undertaken. From the daily clinical experience of radiographers, a number of misconceptions or myths seem to underlie the beliefs of the Maltese population. Consequently the purpose of this study was to assess the level of misconceptions about medical imaging amongst the Maltese society. A telephone questionnaire was chosen as research tool. Out of 200 telephone questionnaires only 149 completed it. The results indicated a general misconception regarding medical imaging in various aspects of the questionnaire. The majority of the participants knew which procedures took place at the radiology department. However 46.3% also thought that Cancer treatment was performed at the radiology department. The participants had a confused idea about the possible side effects of being frequently exposed to x-rays. Besides their perception regarding radiosensitive organs show a level of misconception. The participants' knowledge was lacking with regards to the use of radiation during the procedure and background radiation. The participants were also asked to rate the feelings generated when undergoing particular radiological appointments. The results indicated that there was a noteable level of misconception regarding medical imaging in Malta. Besides there was a weak correlation with Age, Level of Education and small differences when it comes to Gender and between people who read or watched health related material and who did not. Therefore the researcher suggested a campaign of information to tackle this misconception. More sources of information should be available for the people who would like to be further informed. Besides the referrers should be better informed about the procedures and the use of ionizing radiation in each one of them. All this could reduce the level of misconception present in the participants of the study. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z