W.S.B.--a fluoroscopy C-arm communication strategy.
BACKGROUND
Good communication between an operating clinician and the attending radiographer when using C-arm fluoroscopy is vital. Efficient and safe use of ionising radiation protects all theatre staff. The object of this study was to design and test a single communication language for use in all fluoroscopy-assisted procedures.


METHODS
A clinician guiding a radiographer performed a control 'no-rules' experiment of 56 targeting manoeuvres with a fluoroscopic C-arm on a scientific model. A single beam laser replaced the usual ionising radiation beam. The time taken for each targeting along with the laser exposure required was recorded. Following a period of instruction, the experiment was repeated using only our pre-defined communication strategy. The data was collected for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
A statistically significant reduction was seen in the time taken for each targeting manoeuvre and the laser exposure required when using our strategy.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that using our pre-prepared communication strategy could significantly improve efficiency and safety of fluoroscopic C-arm use.
Williams
Timothy H D
TH
April Cottage, Leys Road, Tostock, Suffolk, UK. thdwilliams@hotmail.com
Syrett
Amanda G
AG
Brammar
Timothy J
TJ
D003142:Communication; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*