RADIOGRAPHY

'The role of research in the advancement of the health professions'

'The role of research in the advancement of the health professions'

Introduction

Radiography is defined as the use of X-rays in viewing cross sections of non-uniformly composed material, for example, the human body. It involves the utilization of the physical properties of the ray so that an image can be developed. The X-rays that pass through are captured by a detector which gives a 2D illustration of all the structures. Radiography has been used for medical applications for quite some time. Treatment involving the use of radiation is called radiotherapy (Burke, 2009, p48).

Radiographers use the x-rays to create images of body parts and organs for diagnostic functions. Their roles vary depending on the type of x-ray that a patient needs. They detect disease and broken bones. The different types of images include: fluoroscopy, MRI, x-ray and ultrasound. In taking an x-ray, the radiographer positions the patient and explains the procedure to them.

Discussion

According to Watson (1999), radiologic technology can be defined as the science involving the use of x-rays for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. The radiographer performs the examination which creates the images needed for diagnosis. Radiography entails scientific knowledge and the technical skills required to provide quality patient care and important diagnostic information. Radiographers must exhibit an understanding of human anatomy, pathology and physiology, not forgetting the medical terms. They must be highly accurate in radiographic positioning and the technique exposure. Radiographers link patients and radiologists. As such, they should remain sensitive to both physical and emotional needs of the patient. They should also involve ethical judgment and critical thinking while at work. The provision of customer service and quality improvement allows radiographers to become an accountable part of the health care team by assessing professional performance.

Today's healthcare environment is changing every now and then. Computers have been applied so as to advance future healthcare reception of technology developments from medical imaging. There is a rapid evolution of imaging and IT with the transition to filmless imaging. Health professionals in this field should be accountable and autonomous. According to Herman (2009), professional accountability refers to the fact that the practitioner should be accountable for their own actions and the outcomes. It is important that ethics and legal implications of accountability be understood by radiographers. Being autonomous means a professional should be able to utilize their professional judgment. This means that a radiographer is free to decide on anything based on their professional knowledge and expertise. They should not be under any pressure whatsoever. Radiographers perform some advanced roles within their current normal responsibilities (Narcisi, 2010, p24).

Since the integration of IT within radiology, new imaging techniques rely on computers to generate images of the internal structures of the human body. This is what is commonly referred to as digital images. Although both IT and Radiology both may seem like one entity at first, they are actually two complete sectors within healthcare that have united in an effort to better meet the ...