[Questionnaire survey on teleradiology for radiological technologists: analyses by age group and facility type in Hokkaido].
A questionnaire survey was given to 1,951 radiological technologists in Hokkaido to examine their views on teleradiology. The questionnaire consisted of questions about their understanding of teleradiology and interest in it as well as examining the need for teleradiology and problems with it. A total of 1,275 radiological technologists responded to the survey, a response rate of 65.4%. The returned questionnaires were analyzed according to different groups categorized by age of the radiological technologists and type of medical facility. Almost all radiological technologists knew about teleradiology. Among the different age groups, the higher age groups showed greater recognition and understanding of teleradiology. About 60% of radiological technologists were interested in teleradiology (no significant differences among age groups). When it was assumed that a teleradiology system would be introduced, (1) the working load for radiological technologists was estimated to be about 17,820 (+/-24,233) yen per month. (2) Sixty percent of the respondents considered that the system should be used for the reading and diagnosis of difficult cases. (3) Fifty percent of them thought that the system should be managed and operated by radiological technologists. (4) Many radiological technologists pointed out problems concerning initial costs and the facility's management system.
Department of Radiological Technology, College of Medical Technology, Hokkaido University.
Katsuhiko
K
Ogasawara
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006268:Health Facilities; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013679:Technology, Radiologic; D019112:Teleradiology