Radiographic Image Interpretation
Evaluation of image quality remains a challenge in radiological studies. It has to be addressed when optimizing established techniques for various X-ray examinations. Quality assessment for imaging results is mostly based on the observers subjective scoring system because of the lack of objective and acknowledged criteria. The outcome will depend on the observers’ previous experience. Since the readers’ preferences are related to the subjective nature of the outcome, a definition of clear quality criteria is required. Comparative image quality analyses mostly refer to given anatomical details that are present in each radiograph [1–3]. These can be used for analyzing changes of visibility due to varied technical procedures [4]. The Commission of the European Communities (CEC) has developed such image criteria based on anatomical details for some radiographic examinations to standardize image quality throughout Europe [5,6]. In 1996 these CEC-criteria were slightly revised and presented in the “European Guidelines on quality criteria for diagnostic radiographic images” [7]. Visual grading of the reproduction of important anatomical structures for the evaluation of image quality in radiography has become an established method [8]. The basic idea of visual grading is the assumption that the possibility to detect abnormal findings correlates to the reproducibility of anatomical structures. An alternative method for the comparative evaluation of image quality is the application of receiver operating characteristic analyses (ROC), that are well described in literature [1,9].
In the context of medical image interpretation, Nightingale (10) outlined the following four levels: detection of an abnormality, description of image appearances, interpretation of the image and independent reporting, suggesting that the trauma RDS is an example of the detection task (Level 1) and this can be distinguished from independent reporting (Level 4) provided, for example, by radiographers that have completed appropriate postgraduate education and training). Previous research (11) suggests that radiographers demonstrate different levels of ability depending on the type/extent of education and training received.
Ethics
Medical ethics, a branch of the philosophy of ethics, deals with moral decisions in medicine. The branch of nursing ethics could be considered under the umbrella of medical ethics. The moral foundation of the nursing profession is based on the perspectives of Florence Nightingale, who described nursing as a self-defining moral practice focused on caring. This moral foundation evolves from the nurse-patient relationship. Morality in nursing practice arises from the idea that it is morally good to promote the physical and psychological well-being of patients. Nurses, however, may find it difficult to prioritize these moral nursing values over their personal values (2002).
In the nursing profession, acts that are ethical often reflect a commitment to standards which are beyond an individual’s personal preferences – standards on which individuals, professions, and societies agree (2004). Ethics has become an important way of life in a post-modern society that does not acknowledge any fixed points of reference.
Nursing is essentially a work of intimacy. The tasks of nursing require the nurse to be in close contact with clients, physically and emotionally. This kind of contact is usually not acceptable in public relationships. As a result, the work of nursing involves the negotiation of values whether those values be of the client, the physician, the employer, or other concerned groups.
Maintaining their own moral integrity is central to nurses' moral experience. Studies have documented that nurses sometimes feel they are forced to betray their own values. Their position in organizations, a lack of involvement in the decision-making process, and lack of authority seem to contribute to the experience of powerlessness in situations of moral difficulty (2005).
Discussion and resolution of ethical issues requires critical thinking skills. Unlike the resolution of clinical problems, however, the resolution of ethical issues involves the negotiation of closely held personal values and philosophies, not facts or measurable clinical data. Resolution of ethical issues incorporates not only the nurse’s personal values but also the interpretation of the client’s personal values, based on the unique perspective of nurses (2004). Ethics guided by one’s own moral values is very important since an ability to make good decisions about one's health care promotes healthy behaviors across the lifespan ( 2000).
[1] Influence of the characteristic curve
on the clinical image quality of lumbar spine and chest radiographs.
2004;
[2]. Comparison of visual grading analysis
and determination of detective quantum efficiency for evaluating system
performance in digital chest radiography. 2004;
Oct 16 2003.
[3] Evaluation of the Commission of the European Communities
quality criteria for the pediatric lateral spine. 2003;
[4] . The use of reference image criteria
in X-ray diagnostics: an application for the optimization of lumbar spine
radiographs. 2004; 2004 Apr 1.
[5] CEC quality criteria
for diagnostic radiographic images and patient exposure trial, EUR 12952 EN.
Brussels: CEC, 1990.
[6] European Commission. The 1991 CEC trial on quality criteria for diagnostic
radiographic images: detailed results and findings, EUR 16635 EN. Brussels:
CEC, 1991.
[7] European Commission. European guidelines on quality criteria for diagnostic
radiographic images, EUR 16260 EN. Brussels: CEC, 1996.
[8] Visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis: a nonparametric
rank-invariant statistical method for image quality evaluation.
2007;
[9] .Methods for the evaluation of image quality: a review. Radiate Prot
2000;90:89–99.
[10] Reporting errors (and how to avoid them).
2004 Feb:16e23.
[11]
. Accuracy of radiographer plain radiograph
reporting in clinical practice: a meta-analysis.
2005;
Australia
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE INTERPRETATION ESSAY
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE INTERPRETATION
ASSESSMENT
4000 words - 16 pages
IMAGE INTERPRETATION ASSESSMENT
From your lecture and workshop sessions you have learnt what image interpretation is and how it depends upon factors such as perception, features in an image and aspects in decision making such as template formation and how the eye recognizes an object. In this essay you are required to review the key points that feature in the interpretation of the image and contribute to decision making. You are also asked to review methods of performance measurement of viewers of radiographic images. In your essay you are asked to give examples of how, from a wide range of contributory components such as texture, attention and decision making amongst many others combine to enable the human viewer to interpret radiographs. You should write up to (and no more than) 4000 words explaining this phenomenon and provide references to support your assertions. Appropriately acknowledged diagrams, images, tables, flow charts etc are encouraged as this will enable you illustrate your ideas.
PS: Reference in Harvard style and please include three journals that I've uploaded. Thank you!
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