Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Oct 2017
Effects from changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule in 2014 on cone beam computed tomography and panoramic radiography scans across Australia.
This study examines the effects of the new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) operating from 1st November 2014 on the number of Medicare rebated panoramic radiography (PR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. ⋯ The new MBS implemented on 1st November 2014 resulted in a reduction in the number of rebated CBCT scans, but had no effect on rebated PR scans. Overall, there has been considerable cost savings for Medicare due to the change in MBS. Additionally, the reduction in the number of rebated CBCT scans has resulted in a substantial reduction in the ionising radiation load to the Australian community as a whole, but especially the younger age groups.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Aug 2017
Breast interest group faculty of radiation oncology: Australian and New Zealand patterns of practice survey on breast radiotherapy.
This patterns of practice study was conducted on behalf of the RANZCR Breast Interest Group in order to document current radiotherapy practices for breast cancer in Australia and New Zealand. The survey identifies variations and highlights potential contentious aspects of radiotherapy management of breast cancer. ⋯ The results of these patterns of practice survey informs radiation oncologists in Australia and New Zealand of the current clinical practices being implemented by their peers. The survey identifies areas of consensus and contention, the latter of which may lead to a development of research trials and/or educational activities to address these areas of uncertainty.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Jun 2017
Occupational burnout among radiographers, sonographers and radiologists in Australia and New Zealand: Findings from a national survey.
Evidence demonstrates that health care professionals are more prone to burnout than other professionals due to the emotionally taxing interactions they have with their patients on a daily basis. The aims of this study were to measure occupational burnout levels among sonographers, radiographers and radiologists and to examine predictors of burnout according to demographic characteristics. ⋯ Burnout levels among radiographers, sonographers and radiologists are high and likely to vary according to some demographic and work-related factors. Further research is needed to examine ways to alleviate burnout in these professions so that loss of experienced staff due to burnout can be minimized and quality of patient care can be maintained.
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This study aimed to evaluate the current use of imaging technologies for planning and delivery of radiotherapy (RT) in Australia. ⋯ IGRT is widely used among Australian RT centres. On the basis of future plans of respondents, the installation of new imaging modalities is expected to increase for both planning and treatment.
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J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol · Apr 2017
ReviewThe many faces of Meckel's diverticulum and its complications.
Meckel's diverticulum is the most frequent congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract, occurring in 2% of the general population. Meckel's diverticulum is usually asymptomatic and found incidentally. However, the lifetime risk of complications is 4-40%. ⋯ The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum include gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation and inflammation. Small bowel follow-through (SBFT), computed tomography (CT) including CT enterography and RI scintigraphy can be used to show typical imaging features of Meckel's diverticulum and its complications. Knowledge of the clinical and radiologic findings of Meckel's diverticulum can aid in the early and accurate diagnosis of this anomaly and its complications.