IntroductionThe horizontal beam lateral (HBL) position technique for X-ray imaging has been used for nearly a century; however, this can be challenging for the patient and the practitioner, as it potentially compromises patient dignity. This study explores student radiographers' knowledge and experience of lateral hip positions and their impact on diagnostic quality and patient dignity. MethodA cross-sectional mixed-method online survey of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students was completed. Likert scale assessments, rank ordering questions, and free-test qualitative responses were utilised for questions on knowledge and experience of different positioning, ease to obtain, patient dignity, diagnostic quality, and need for repeats. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation non-parametric analysis against variables of age, gender and year of study. ResultsResponses were received by n = 42/158 students, a response rate of 27%. The HBL position was the most commonly repeated image (76.6%); the qualitative themes included HBL image quality issues and difficulty in the HBL positioning for elderly or frail patients, often in discomfort and pain. Analysis of student responses to perceived patient dignity in positioning identified 73.8% found the HBL undignified, and 85.7% agreed the Clements-Nakayama (CN) position would be more dignified for patients. The diagnostic image quality of the HBL position (64.2%) was compared to the CN alternative axiolateral (66.6%). Comparison of ease of obtaining the correct position for HBL (47.6%) was higher than CN position (28.6%); this could be due to the lack of experience n = 3/42 (7.1%) of this position. ConclusionOverall, student radiographers' experience and knowledge of various lateral hip positions observed in clinical practice was good. The CN position scored high for diagnostic image (66.6%) and dignity for the patient (85.7%), over the often repeated HBL position (76.6%), which scored lower for image quality (64.2%) and dignity (76.6%). Implications for practiceRadiographers should advocate for professional autonomy and explore alternative positioning techniques. Further investigation into the CN position's utilisation, image quality and radiation dose in England is recommended.

IntroductionIncreasing research productivity of clinicians can deliver benefits for healthcare organisations and those who work in them, but a notably larger proportion of ultrasound practitioners are interested in undertaking research than are actively engaged in it. This study aimed to understand this gap by investigating the facilitators and barriers to conducting research in professionals from multiple disciplines whose work is focused on clinical ultrasound. MethodsCurrent and prospective researchers from any discipline interested in or undertaking research into the practice and delivery of clinical ultrasound were recruited between March and June 2023. Participants completed semi-structured qualitative interviews with a researcher via video platform. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. ResultsTwelve participants (8 women, 4 men) from a range of disciplines participated. Five themes were identified, which were: 1) research is a challenging path, 2) interpersonal networks fuel research, 3) research requires resources, 4) data collection challenges and 5) scientific curiosity. These suggested that 1) participants experienced research as a challenging career path; 2) formal and informal networks provided important knowledge and opportunities; 3) research was a resource–intensive activity, requiring time and funding, and other professional/clinical commitments often took priority; 4) data collection and applying for ethical approval were barriers requiring specialist knowledge to overcome; and 5) personal scientific curiosity and desire for achievement were key drivers motivating participants to continue in research. ConclusionsMotivation for engaging in ultrasound research activity was mainly internal. Additional barriers and facilitators were external, including time, information and interpersonal networks. Implications for practiceOrganisations can increase the likelihood of research activity by ultrasound practitioners by providing allocated research time and social support networks. It may be particularly fruitful to focus on helping prospective researchers bridge the gap between ‘novice’ and ‘beginner’ phases.

IntroductionTravel restrictions implemented during the acute phases of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chain for critical radiology consumables including contrast media (CM) leading to shortages. Consequently, some departments had to restructure their clinical workflows in accordance to recommended guidelines to ensure safe continuity of patient care. This study aimed to summarise the temporary crisis-driven recommendations with implicit environmental sustainability essence and to analyse how these measures might inform the development of a more sustainable, long-term clinical guideline for safer and cost-effective CM usage without compromising diagnostic quality. MethodsDocuments were obtained through an electronic database search together with a relevant manual search in Google Scholar and relevant reference lists. The selected documents were subjected to a pre-defined eligibility criteria for inclusion. The READ approach was employed for document analysis and a thematic analysis of the obtained data was conducted. ResultsOf the 17 documents included, 70% (n = 12) emanate from the United States of America. The summary of the findings relate to minimising CM usage through strategic clinical approaches including optimisation of CM volumes, prioritisation of non-contrast imaging and/or alternative imaging depending on patient need without compromising diagnostic quality. ConclusionCritical lessons of sustainability essence are implicitly embedded in the policy guidelines issued during the periods of acute CM shortage in the COVID-19 pandemic. These lessons were themed around CM conservation based on: type and priority of medical imaging investigation, kind of imaging modality and use of smaller vials over multi-dose vials packaging.Implications for practice: The temporary crisis-driven strategies may offer critical lessons for post-pandemic service delivery to enhance patient safety while saving cost and promoting greener practice via strategic clinical and operational monitoring of CM through policy renewal, education and training and collaboration with industry partners.