Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Jun 2018
Retrospective review of CT-guided intervertebral disc biopsies performed at a tertiary referral centre for suspected osteodiscitis.
Patients with osteodiscitis are often prescribed antibiotics prior to biopsy. There is controversy in the literature about whether antibiotic pre-treatment prior to CT-guided biopsy decreases the microbiological culture yield. Conclusions from previous studies are influenced by sample size error and selection bias. Our study, conducted in a large number of patients over a 10-year period, clarifies this issue so that best clinical practice is assured. ⋯ Antibiotic treatment preceding CT-guided biopsy reduces the likelihood of a positive microbiological culture results. However, due to the often poor match, between the pre-treatment antibiotic and the organisms' antibiotic sensitivity profile, this is often not clinically apparent. Furthermore, positive cultures sensitive to the pre-treatment antibiotics can still be obtained.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · May 2018
Analysis of predictors of pain response in patients with bone metastasis undergoing palliative radiotherapy: Does age matter?
To evaluate whether age is a predictor of pain response after radiotherapy for painful bone metastasis (BM). ⋯ All patients with painful bone metastasis should be referred for palliative radiotherapy to relieve the pain regardless of age. Therefore, an older age should not be a reason to withhold palliative radiation treatment.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Apr 2018
National survey on image-guided radiotherapy practice in New Zealand.
This survey aimed to assess the use of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) within New Zealand (NZ) and evaluate the quality of IGRT delivery. ⋯ Image-guided radiotherapy is widely used in NZ; however, there is a wide variation in its application between centres. Detailed tumour site-specific, imaging modality-specific national guidelines will allow standardization of IGRT practices.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Feb 2018
Employment for radiation oncologists in Australia and New Zealand: Recent graduates survey of experiences and perspectives.
This paper reports the key findings of the first survey of recent Radiation Oncology graduates in Australia, New Zealand (ANZ) and Singapore. It explores their experiences in entering the workforce, challenges and perspectives. ⋯ This initial survey of recent Radiation Oncology graduates in ANZ and Singapore has revealed the large majority are employed as consultants or fellows, although there is apprehension about a competitive job market. The survey should be repeated on a regular basis to monitor future trends.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Feb 2018
Mixed methods study on the use of and attitudes towards safety checklists in interventional radiology.
The use of safety checklists in interventional radiology is an intervention aimed at reducing mortality and morbidity. Currently there is little known about their practical use in Australian radiology departments. The primary aim of this mixed methods study was to evaluate how safety checklists (SC) are used and completed in radiology departments within Australian hospitals, and attitudes towards their use as described by Australian radiologists. ⋯ This is the first study of safety checklist use in radiology within Australia. Overall completion was low across the sites included in this study. Compliance data collected from observations differed markedly from reported compliance in medical records. There remain significant barriers to the proper use of safety checklists in Australian radiology departments.