NEWSLETTER - ISRRT

Report
Continued from the previous page
with scanning technique and also recognition of normal and
abnormal, what to look for and how to describe them. On
the Friday morning I gave them a test to gauge how much
they had learnt, and to ensure my teaching was understood.
We discussed the results; they had all done very well. Friday
afternoon a presentation and closing ceremony was
held, with the Director of the Central/East Health Services
as official guest. The girls were presented with certificates
of attendance.
QC/QA
A QC/QA program had been implemented when training
was given at installation of the Mammography Unit. However,
the bench top processor was no longer used, so the
staff had stopped doing the QC. The radiographers have no
control over the processors, so I implemented a basic 2step
QC program that tests the constancy of the Mammo
Unit and the processing. From this they can calculate if they
need to adjust density on the Mammo Unit before they begin
Mammography for the day. I also instigated regular cassette
and equipment cleaning. I felt it was important to have
program that was achievable, rather than too complex.
Interventional Techniques
I had hoped to be able to teach some interventional techniques
for both Mammography and Ultrasound, however
the Mammography Unit does not have this function. Unfortunately
the Radiologist who performs these was not
available the week I was there. I believe he is keen to have
someone to train the staff in these techniques.
18 ISRRT Newsletter
Images
The Mammogram images on the whole were very good
quality, with the processing being consistent. I have recommended
the purchase of ‘screen cleaner’. Due to a shortage
of 18x24 film, the girls had been asked to cut the 24x30
film in halves. This led to all sorts of problems, so I recommended
no cutting of film and use of large cassettes instead.
A supply of correct sized film arrived and alleviated that
problem. Ultrasound images are printed on paper, which is
of poor quality, so the printed images do not reflect the high
quality of image on the Ultrasound screen. However the
Radiologist comes in to see the real-time scan.
Other Resources
I took with me copies of several PowerPoint presentations,
which I was able to show the trainees and other Radiology
staff. These were on Breast Ultrasound and CR Mammography.
They were very interested in all I had to offer
and would love to have CR installed at CWM Hospital to
relieve them of processing problems. I was able to obtain
the older cassettes from Suva for the Lautoka girls to take
back with them.
Conclusion
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Suva, Fiji. It was very beneficial
both to me and to the trainees. I was very humbled
by the way they looked after me and greatly appreciated
everything I did for them. I believe that the trainees gained
a lot in self-confidence during my time there. I plan to keep
in touch with staff at both hospitals, so they can use me
as a resource person if required. I also believe that regular
follow-up training is important in places such as Fiji. I
would like to say a huge thank you to Robert George and
the ISRRT for making this training possible.