Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Meister, M.
European Guidelines for AP chest X-rays in intensive care: routinely satisfiable in a paediatric radiology division? – A retrospective data analysis.
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] ; 2018. pp. 75
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Sorantin Erich
- Tschauner Sebastian
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Introduction: In 2014 a precursor study was conducted to analyse whether the requirements of the European Commission guidelines for AP/PA radiographs in children were satisfied in day-to-day operations. A semi-automatic tool for time efficient quality audits, as well as possible amendments to the guidelines were proposed. This study was adapted to further analyse the adequacy of the aforementioned tool, and the feasibility of the EC guidelines for children in paediatric intensive care. Methods: Seven hundred twenty-three unprocessed chest X-rays (47.7% female, 52.3% male, aged 0 to 18 years) were acquired from the local PACS, and examined qualitatively and quantitatively using the aforementioned tool. Qualitative requirements and field sizes were evaluated according to the standards proposed by the EC guidelines. Results: Mean overexposure of 43±17%, and mean tissue overexposure of 38±16% were found, thus being generally well within tolerance. Satisfaction for the qualitative parameters was less satisfactory with 9.1% (66/723) of all examinations fulfilling all qualitative criteria. Merely 8.2% (59/723) of the total images met all qualitative criteria, and did not show minimal field size truncations or overexposure beyond tolerance. Discussion: The purpose was to audit the quality of chest X-rays of paediatric intensive care (PIC) patients taken with a mobile unit. Using the tool, inadequate field sizes and inspiration depths were found. Further support for the use and the development of the tool were strengthened. Debateable issues with the guidelines mentioned by the precursor study gained further credibility.