Dear Digital X-Ray Insider,
How appropriate are lumbar spine x-ray referrals for lower back pain? Given the high volume of referrals, particularly from general practitioners, this is a key question for imaging professionals and hospital managers, but it's not easy to work out clear answers.
New U.K. research in this area is worth a close look. Two radiologists analyzed the 762 lumbar spine radiographs performed in July 2015 by the Pennine Acute Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust. Click here to get their findings.
Radiographer reporting remains a hot topic. To make it work, continuous professional development and better development of training plans are essential, a Singaporean group has found. For the full story, click here.
Education also plays a central role in radiation protection. Diagnostic radiographs are the most common source of technology-based radiation exposure, and they contribute 50% of the annual allowed dose received by an individual, according to researchers from Saudi Arabia. To learn more, they've conducted a rigorous survey, and you can read more here.
The heavy workloads of radiology staff mean that increasing numbers of errors are inevitable. Or are they? One team of radiologists has found that a robust quality management system can have a positive impact. Find out more by clicking here.
Digital x-ray will feature in the polyclinic at the Rio Olympics, which start next Friday. To shed light on the type of challenges faced when scanning some of the world's top athletes, we've interviewed the imaging lead for London 2012, Dr. Phil O'Connor. Click here for his words of wisdom.
For a full list of stories, see below or go to the Digital X-Ray Community. Also, make sure you check back regularly to see our latest coverage.
