Use of radiographic imaging protocols by canadian memorial chiropractic college interns.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine if 4th-year interns plan to x-ray their patients, once they are in private practice, in accordance with the principles taught throughout their radiology program and with the evidence-based imaging guidelines outlined in the literature.


METHODS
Questionnaires were provided to all 4th-year interns. Each questionnaire consisted of 10 case scenarios representing possible chiropractic patients. Each intern was asked if he or she would radiograph the patient and, if so, which views would be taken. A "gold standard" was established by two chiropractic radiologists using evidence-based guidelines. Intern answers were compared with the gold standard using percent agreement.


RESULTS
Sixty-eight interns completed the questionnaire. Agreement between the interns and the gold standards for the question of whether or not they would take x-rays ranged from 63.2% to 100%. The percent agreement for the correct radiographic views chosen ranged from 32.6% to 48.4%.


CONCLUSIONS
Interns are generally aware of and plan to apply the radiographic guidelines for determining whether or not radiographs are indicated, as outlined in the current literature. However, interns are inconsistent in choosing the correct views.
Butt
Amy
A
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.
Clarfield-Henry
Jordanna
J
Bui
Loan
L
Butler
Kim
K
Peterson
Cynthia
C