WASTAGE OF IMAGING MATERIALS IN MEDICAL CONVENTIONAL, SPECIALISED IMAGING AND THE RELATIONSHIP IN CONTINUOUS PROFESSSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Imaging materials are the most important consumables in X-ray Departments and are key to the cost-effective running of the departments. While in use, some materials like radiographs are spoiled and discarded due to several reasons. At the same time, the skills that the radiographers have in producing radiographs play a major role in whether the film is accepted or rejected. The aim of this study was to undertake a wastage survey of materials used in conventional, specialized medical imaging and their relationship with Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

Data collection was done in Mbangathi District Hospital. Phaseone involved the collection of radiographs and print paper wasted during examinations that were discarded. Phase two of the study was concerned with the filling in of questionnaires by the radiographers working in Mbagathi hospital regarding CPD. The study applied a descriptive design.

The findings revealed that at Mbagathi X-Ray Department wastage rate was 5.47%.  There were various reasons for radiograph wastage in Mbagathi Hospital which included exposure errors 59%, positioning 11%, processing 11% and film fog at 19%. From the results, exposure errors emerged as a major area where most wasted radiographs came from. The results from the questionnaire completed by the radiographers regarding CPD revealed that lack of finances was the most common obstacle to the attendance of continuous professional development activities (90.9%), followed by poor communication (72.7%), lack of time (54.5%) and the infrequent organization of CPD activities (27.3%).