Computted radiography and film digitizer inputs to an intensive care unit teleradiology system: An image quality comparison

Abstract Background Teleultrasound provides an effective solution to problems that arise from limited medical resources, a lack of local expertise, and scenarios where the risk of infection is high. This study aims to explore the feasibility of the application of a 5G-powered robot-assisted teleultrasound diagnostic system in an intensive care unit. Methods In this study, the robot-assisted teleultrasound diagnostic system MGIUS-R3 was used. Using 5G network technology, the doctor manipulates the robotic arm to perform teleultrasound examination. The doctor can adjust parameters via the teleultrasound control panel, and real-time transmission of audio, video and ultrasound images can facilitate simultaneous communication between both parties. All patients underwent robot-assisted teleultrasound examination and bedside ultrasound examination of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidney, as well as assessment for pleural effusion and abdominal effusion. We evaluated the feasibility of the application of the robot-assisted teleultrasound diagnosis system in the intensive care unit in terms of consultation duration, image quality, and safety. We also compared diagnostic consistency and differences. Results Apart from one patient who was excluded due to severe intestinal gas interference and poor image quality, a total of 32 patients were included in this study. Every patient completed all relevant examinations. Among them, 20 patients were male; 12 were female. The average age of the patients was 61 ± 20 years. The average duration of teleultrasound diagnosis was 17 ± 7 min. Of the 32 patients, 26 had positive results, 6 had negative results, and 5 had inconsistent diagnoses. The overall diagnostic results were basically the same, and there were no differences in diagnostic levels between the two. The overall average image quality score was 4.73 points, which represented a high-quality image. After robot-assisted teleultrasound examination, no significant changes were observed in the vital signs of patients as compared to before examination, and no examination-related complications were found. Conclusion The 5G-powered robot-assisted teleultrasound diagnostic system was associated with the benefits of clear images, simple operation, relatively high levels of consistency in terms of diagnostic results, higher levels of safety, and has considerable application value in the intensive care unit.

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Neonatal chest image quality addressed through training to enhance radiographer awareness

Health SA Gesondheid ◽

10.4102/hsag.v23i0.1067 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 ◽

Author(s):

Hesta Friedrich-Nel ◽

Belinda Van der Merwe ◽

Beatrix Kotzé

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care Unit ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Image Quality ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care ◽

Evaluation Criteria ◽

Training Programme ◽

Radiation Shielding ◽

Optimal Quality

Background: Diagnostic radiographers working in the neonatal intensive care unit primarily aim to produce an image of optimal quality using optimal exposure techniques without repeating exposures, to keep neonatal radiation dose to a minimum. Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine whether radiographers were producing optimal quality chest images and, if not, whether additional training could contribute to reaching this goal in the Free State Province of South Africa. Methods: Neonatal chest image quality was determined in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit by using a checklist based on and compiled from published guidelines to evaluate the quality of 450 randomly-selected images. Thereafter, a training programme was designed, based on the evaluation criteria of the checklist and image quality areas identified. The training also referred to positioning techniques that should be applied to ensure optimal image quality. After presentation of the training, 450 newly-produced neonatal chest images were evaluated. These images were selected through purposive sampling as this evaluation only included images of participating radiographers who completed the training. Results: Image quality that showed significant improvement included a reduction in electrocardiogram lines superimposed on chest anatomy, a tendency to centre closer to thoracic vertebra four, and visible four-sided collimation on images. Image quality areas with no significant enhancement were the absence of lead markers and radiation shielding. Conclusion: The study has shown that a training programme has the potential to improve neonatal chest image quality.

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Radiology in the neonatal intensive care unit: dose reduction and image quality

British Journal of Radiology ◽

10.1259/0007-1285-69-826-929 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 69 (826) ◽

pp. 929-937 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

B J McParland ◽

W Gorka ◽

R Lee ◽

D B Lewall ◽

M F Omojola

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care Unit ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Image Quality ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽

Dose Reduction ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care ◽

Unit Dose

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Reduced radiation dose and improved image quality using a mini mobile digital imaging system in a neonatal intensive care unit

Clinical Imaging ◽

10.1016/j.clinimag.2016.12.004 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 42 ◽

pp. 165-171 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Tae-Hoon Kim ◽

Jong-Hyun Ryu ◽

Chang-Won Jeong ◽

Hong Young Jun ◽

Dong-Woon Heo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care Unit ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Image Quality ◽

Radiation Dose ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽

Digital Imaging ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care ◽

Imaging System ◽

Digital Imaging System

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Bedside Chest Radiography Using Digital Luminescence

Acta Radiologica ◽

10.1177/028418519203300509 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 33 (5) ◽

pp. 427-430 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

K. Lyttkens ◽

B. Andersson ◽

M. Kehler ◽

L. Lindberg

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care Unit ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Image Quality ◽

Personal Computer ◽

Chest Radiography ◽

Chest Radiographs ◽

Intermediate Step ◽

Electronic Transfer ◽

Digital Chest

The introduction of picture and archiving communicating systems is currently being evaluated in several institutions. We decided, as an intermediate step, to see if image quality after transferral to a personal computer (PC) is sufficient for the diagnostic needs in an intensive care unit. Seventy-five portable digital chest radiographs were studied both as hard-copies and on a monitor after transferral to a PC. Two chest radiologists and one anesthesiologist reviewed the examinations. Our intention was to evaluate if everything that is routinely checked by the anesthesiologist is demonstrable after electronic transfer to a local workstation. We found practically no difference between the performance of monitor and film for the whole material.

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The Psychosocial Aspects of Feeding in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Beyond

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2019_persp-19-00097 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (6) ◽

pp. 1507-1515

Author(s):

Lauren L. Madhoun ◽

Robert Dempster

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care Unit ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽

Hospital Discharge ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care ◽

Oral Feeding ◽

Medical Attention ◽

Primary Role ◽

Speech Language Pathologists ◽

The Family

Purpose Feeding challenges are common for infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). While sufficient oral feeding is typically a goal during NICU admission, this can be a long and complicated process for both the infant and the family. Many of the stressors related to feeding persist long after hospital discharge, which results in the parents taking the primary role of navigating the infant's course to ensure continued feeding success. This is in addition to dealing with the psychological impact of having a child requiring increased medical attention and the need to continue to fulfill the demands at home. In this clinical focus article, we examine 3 main areas that impact psychosocial stress among parents with infants in the NICU and following discharge: parenting, feeding, and supports. Implications for speech-language pathologists working with these infants and their families are discussed. A case example is also included to describe the treatment course of an infant and her parents in the NICU and after graduation to demonstrate these points further. Conclusion Speech-language pathologists working with infants in the NICU and following hospital discharge must realize the family context and psychosocial considerations that impact feeding progression. Understanding these factors may improve parental engagement to more effectively tailor treatment approaches to meet the needs of the child and family.

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