10 research outputs found
Sediments in the Tema Harbour (Ghana): chemical pollution and sedimentation rates; Dissertation, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and Wageningen University.
No full textThe Tema Harbour in Ghana has been in operation for nearly six decades and is subject to large influxes of sediments and sediment pollution due to the intense human activities in the harbour area. This thesis assessed sediment pollution in the Tema Harbour by using the standard 10-day Corophium volutator and 28-day Hediste diversicolor whole-sediment toxicity bioassays as well as chemical contaminant (DDTs, HCHs, PAHs and metal - Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and As) data. The bioassay results showed significant C. volutator and H. diversicolor mortalities, indicating that the Tema Harbour sediments are polluted and toxic. Biota-sediment accumulation factors further revealed a high potential for bioaccumulation of the sediment-associated metals, which can have adverse implications for the food chain. Thus, the Tema Harbour sediments are unsuitable for disposal at sea without remediation. The thesis further investigated sediment accumulation rates (SARs) in the Tema Harbour by the combined analyses of sediment trap and sediment core data. The sediment cores exhibited variable bulk density profiles, indicating highly dynamic and non-steady sedimentation conditions. 7Be-derived gross-estimates of very recent sediment accumulation rates using the constant flux-constant sedimentation (CF-CS) model were in the range of 2.5-9.0 g.cm-2.y-1. These values were much lower than the estimated average settling fluxes from the sediment trap data (15.2-53.8 g.cm-2.y-1), indicating sediment resuspension plays an important role in the sedimentation process. Conventional 210Pb sediment dating models did not allow any estimation of SARs in the Tema Harbour. The 210Pb-based TERESA model, on the other hand, proved to be a good tool for quantifying sediment accumulation rates in the Tema Harbour with time-averaged values in the range of 1.4-3.0 g.cm-2.y-1 and sediment accretion rates of 1.7-3 cm.y-1. In conclusion, this study has shown that the Tema Harbour has been severely affected by anthropogenic activities, resulting in pollution of the sediments, especially those from the Fishing Harbour and the Canoe Basin. Moreover, the sediment accretion rates in the harbour may pose moderate problems for sustainable use of the harbour. There is, therefore, a need to improve sediment and environmental management in the Tema Harbour and regulate the disposal of the dredged material originating from this tropical coastal harbour
Running water sound technique in contrast-based voiding cystourethrogram: A case–control study
No full textEffects of occupational stress and coping mechanisms adopted by radiographers in Ghana
No full textBackground
Studies have shown that population of radiography staff within various hospitals in Ghana decreased by 30% in the last decade due to several reasons. One of such reasons understood to be related to stress and job satisfaction which affect work output.
Purpose
To investigate the effects of occupational stress and the coping mechanisms adopted by radiographers in Ghana.
Method
A descriptive survey using a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire with pre-coded responses was administered via email to respondents. Purposive sampling method was used to select 190 radiographers who work in hospitals in Ghana. Descriptive statistics was mainly used to analyse the data using SPSS Version 20.
Results
Of a total 190 questionnaires sent, 122 were completed and returned giving a 64.3% response rate. Majority 78 (64%) of respondents were males and the predominant area of work was conventional radiography. Most radiographers revealed they were stressed with 63% indicating high/very high levels of stress. The consequent effects of stress on radiographers were sick absence, depression and job dissatisfaction. Most of the radiographers used primary interventions to cope with stress.
Conclusion
This study has demonstrated that most radiographers in Ghana are stressed. However, they cope well with problem-solving mechanisms. This suggests that the decrease in number of radiographers within various facilities in Ghana by 30% may not necessarily be caused by stress but other factors which need to be investigated. Nevertheless, occupational stress has an effect on radiographers' quality of working life and may directly impact on their behaviour during service delivery
The impact of agricultural runoff on the quality of two streams in vegetable farm areas in Ghana
No full textCOVID-19 vaccine hesitancy concerns: Findings from a Ghana Clinical Radiography Workforce Survey
No full textIntroduction: Vaccination is a key global strategy to mitigate the clinical impact of the COVID- 19 virus. As part of local efforts to manage the outbreak, the government of Ghana announced its intention to vaccinate its population starting with essential and high-risk workers including radiographers. However, there were reports of hesitance to receiving the vaccine among the radiography workforce. This study was undertaken prior to the intended vaccination exercise to assess the willingness and concerns of radiographers to undergo the COVID-19 vaccination and to suggest recommendations to improve the vaccine uptake. Method: An ethically-approved online survey strategy was employed for this cross-sectional study conducted between 24th–28th February 2021. The survey employed quantitative questions and open text response options. Quantitative and open text responses were analysed using statistical and thematic analyses, respectively. Results: There were 108 responses (response rate of 46.3%). The majority (n=64, 59.3%) were willing to have the vaccine, however, some (n=44, 40.7%) were not. The main reason behind their willingness to have the vaccine was its ability to reduce the spread of infections and lower mortality (n=35, 54.7%). However, doubts about the vaccine’s efficacy and side effects (n=26, 56.8%), conspiracy theory concerns about its effects on the Ghanaian race (n=4, 9.1%), and fertility concerns (n=2, 4.5%) were some reasons for their hesitance to receive the vaccine. The open text commentary further revealed that the vaccine was thought of as a lifesaving medication, however, clinical safety concerns, lack of education/information and religious beliefs were affecting peoples’ willingness to be vaccinated. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the need for an urgent public health educational intervention to address the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy concerns raised by radiographers to help increase the vaccine uptake. Implication for practice: The study provides pertinent information to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake among radiographers to limit the spread of infections
Value of MRI in the cervical spine imaging series of trauma patients: A state-of-the-art review
No full textIntroduction: Clinical decision protocols for evaluation and assessment of traumatic cervical spine injuries (TCSI) lean more towards the use of CT imaging. Investigation with MRI is therefore considered unnecessary following negative CT findings according to some local protocols. This review aims to explore what benefits MRI may offer in the clinical management of TCSI patients.
Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in the following databases: AMED, CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE using defined key terms and synonyms optimised for each database. The eligible articles were subjected to data extraction and thematic synthesis.
Results: The initial electronic search yielded 2527 articles. Of these, 15 articles remained following the application of a pre-defined inclusion criteria and full-text assessment. Four themes (mechanism of injury, type of patient, injuries detected on MRI, significance of injuries detected on MRI) were developed relating to the usage and value of MRI in the management of CSI.
Discussion: Our findings indicate that MRI may be very valuable in some situations for the evaluation of TCSI, however, its usage must be cautiously considered on a case-by-case basis in light of additional clinical benefit, patient safety and resource availability following a normal CT scan or in conjunction with CT or projection radiography where appropriate.
Implications for practice: MRI may serve as a confirmatory test in the management pathway of TCSI based on individual clinical needs. Consideration for key limitations (e.g., patients’ cooperation) and accessibility challenges (e.g., cost) against the clinical benefit to the patient must be noted. Development of centre-specific policies from standard trauma imaging protocols may be essential for the timely management of TCSI
Assessment of diagnostic radiographers' knowledge of work-related health problems and associated effects: A multicentre study in Ghana
No full textINTRODUCTION: Work-related health problems (WRHPs) are health conditions peculiar to a group of people or occupations including radiography in a specific work setting. These WRHPs occur as a result of prevailing work conditions which predispose workers to risks of physical or psychological distress.
AIM: This study assessed the knowledge of WRHPs among practicing radiographers in Ghana and evaluated the sources, causes, effects and preventive measures of WRHPs.
METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional design incorporating a quantitative data collection approach was used. A questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and evaluate the effects of WRHPs among two cohorts of 31 practicing radiographers at a regional hospital (RH) and a teaching hospital (TH).
RESULTS: An average score of 4.2 (SD = 0.4) out of 5 (84.8%) obtained on the knowledge scale indicated very good knowledge of WRHPs among the radiographers. Physical work demands, ergonomic issues, increased workload and stress levels on on-duty radiographers due to sick absence by colleagues, large numbers of daily cases, and extra work without incentives were reported as WRHPs effects mostly experienced by the radiographers. The study also showed no significant difference between gender groups (p = 0.313), years of professional practice experience level (p = 0.319), and academic qualifications (p = 0.287) on knowledge of WRHPs.
CONCLUSION: Radiographers working in some referral and teaching hospitals in Ghana demonstrated very good knowledge of WRHPs and identified several effects of WRHPs on professional practice.
IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: The study concludes that WRHPs predispose radiographers to adverse health conditions, and administrative protocols are required to prevent or mitigate the burden
The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical radiography practice: A systematic literature review and recommendations for future services planning
No full textINTRODUCTION: Worldwide, reports and experiences indicate that there has been extensive re-organisation within diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy departments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was necessary due to changes in workload and working practice guidelines that have evolved during the pandemic. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on radiography practice, service delivery and workforce wellbeing. METHODS: A systematic review methodology was adopted to obtain data from primary studies of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods designs from databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], and SCOPUS: all 2020 to present). The included articles were subjected to information extraction and results-based convergent synthesis. RESULTS: The electronic database search yielded 10,420 articles after removal of duplicates. Of these, 31 articles met the final inclusion criteria with some (n = 8) fully focussed on radiotherapy workforce and service delivery. The pandemic impact on radiography practice is broadly themed around: training, communication, and information dissemination; infrastructure, technology, and clinical workflow; and workforce mental health and well-being. CONCLUSION: Globally, most radiographers received inadequate training for managing COVID-19 patients during the initial acute phase of the pandemic. Additionally, there were significant changes to clinical practice, working patterns and perceived increase in workload due to surges in COVID-19 patients and the consequent strict adherence to new infection protocols. These changes, coupled with fear emanating from the increased risk of the workforce to contracting the infection, contributed to anxiety and workplace-related stress during the pandemic. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Local pandemic response strategies must be appropriately developed from standard protocols in readiness for safe clinical practice and well-being management training of practitioners
The integration of artificial intelligence in medical imaging practice: Perspectives of African radiographers
No full textIntroduction The current technological developments in medical imaging are centred largely on the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into all equipment modalities. This survey assessed the perspectives of African radiographers on the integration of AI in medical imaging in order to offer unique recommendations to support the training of the radiography workforce. Methods An exploratory cross-sectional online survey of radiographers working within Africa was conducted from March to August 2020. The survey obtained data about their demographics and perspectives on AI implementation and usage. Data obtained were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results A total of 1020 valid responses were obtained. Majority of the respondents (n = 883,86.6%) were working in general X-ray departments. Of the respondents, 84.9% (n = 866) indicated that AI technology would improve radiography practice and quality assurance for efficient diagnosis and improved clinical care. Fear of job losses following the implementation of AI was a key concern of most radiographers (n = 625,61.3%). Conclusion Generally, radiographers were delighted about the integration of AI into medical imaging, however; there were concerns about job security and lack of knowledge. There is an urgent need for stakeholders in medical imaging infrastructure development and practices in Africa to start empowering radiographers through training programmes, funding, motivational support, and create clear roadmaps to guide the adoption and integration of AI in medical imaging in Africa. Implication for practice The current study offers unique suggestions and recommendations to support the training of the African radiography workforce and others in similar resource-limited settings to provide quality care using AI-integrated imaging modalities
The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical radiography practice: A systematic literature review and recommendations for future services planning
No full textIntroduction Worldwide, reports and experiences indicate that there has been extensive re-organisation within diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy departments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was necessary due to changes in workload and working practice guidelines that have evolved during the pandemic. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on radiography practice, service delivery and workforce wellbeing. Methods A systematic review methodology was adopted to obtain data from primary studies of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods designs from databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], and SCOPUS: all 2020 to present). The included articles were subjected to information extraction and results-based convergent synthesis. Results The electronic database search yielded 10,420 articles after removal of duplicates. Of these, 31 articles met the final inclusion criteria with some (n = 8) fully focussed on radiotherapy workforce and service delivery. The pandemic impact on radiography practice is broadly themed around: training, communication, and information dissemination; infrastructure, technology, and clinical workflow; and workforce mental health and well-being. Conclusion Globally, most radiographers received inadequate training for managing COVID-19 patients during the initial acute phase of the pandemic. Additionally, there were significant changes to clinical practice, working patterns and perceived increase in workload due to surges in COVID-19 patients and the consequent strict adherence to new infection protocols. These changes, coupled with fear emanating from the increased risk of the workforce to contracting the infection, contributed to anxiety and workplace-related stress during the pandemic. Implications for practice Local pandemic response strategies must be appropriately developed from standard protocols in readiness for safe clinical practice and well-being management training of practitioners
