Diagnostic radiology around the world

Article Abstract:

Medical equipment and supplies, including diagnostic radiographic equipment, are unevenly distributed around the world. The use of radiography in various countries around the world was studied. Countries were divided into four levels of health care based upon the population per physician, with level 1 having the lowest population per physician and presumably a higher level of health care. The data used for the study are incomplete or missing for many of the poorer countries. Both the number of persons per X-ray machine and the frequency of radiographic examination are directly related to the level of health care, with a smaller number of persons per machine and a greater number of examinations per person correlating with a higher level of health care. Within a given level of health care, the type and frequency of radiographic examinations can vary for a number of reasons. In countries with large screening programs, examination frequency is higher. The type of examinations done varies with the technological and economic status of a country. Older model fluoroscopic X-ray machines are found in poorer, less advanced countries because of their relatively small cost. These devices can expose patients and technicians to much greater levels of radiation than is necessary, although it is probably preferable to no examination. In the future, radiographic procedures should continue to increase in usage and need. Three main reasons exist for this trend. The world population is continuing to increase, it is becoming more urban, and it is aging. This will cause further economic strain in the developing countries and may further prevent access to radiographic examinations in underdeveloped countries. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

International aspects, Diagnostic imaging

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Radiologist and computer: a partnership in clinical radiology for the 1990s?

Article Abstract:

The May 1990 issue of Radiology contains an article by Jack et al. on the use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computers in locating the origins of brain seizures. Their research findings are important for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Beyond their specific findings regarding brain seizures, the techniques they used to discover these findings are also important. They used interactions between the images obtained from MR and sophisticated computer analysis to gain better results. Computer analysis of MR and computed tomographic (CT) findings in clinical research and in the clinical setting itself is becoming increasingly popular. The radiologist can expect in the near future to be required to interact with computers while obtaining images and analyzing them. This is particularly true thanks to recent advances in MR and CT techniques. The radiologist has been responsible for many advances in imaging techniques and the computer analysis of these images, and can expect to be responsible for their implementation in the clinical setting. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Information management, CT imaging, CAT scans, Magnetic resonance imaging, editorial

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Patient expectations of radiology in noninteractive encounters

Article Abstract:

Interviews with 107 patients explored their feelings and experience after having undergone a diagnostic radiologic procedure that did not involve direct contact with the radiologist. Issues of concern could be divided into (1) facility-related, and (2) non-radiologist staff-related. The issue of greatest concern to the patient was waiting time. Other issues include parking, cleanliness, temperature and efficiency. Staff-related issues were fundamentally concerned with interpersonal skills. The patient's concern with the radiologist was unclear with less than ten percent of unprompted patients citing any expectations. When prompted, patients' concerns centered around the radiologist's role in the diagnostic process, ability to communicate and accuracy of diagnostic ability.

Psychological aspects, Evaluation, Officials and employees, Hospitals, Patient compliance, Medical personnel, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Hospital patients

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