title: Pediatric digital radiography education for radiologic technologists: current state.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Digital radiography (DR) is one of several new products that have changed our work processes from hard copy to digital formats. The transition from analog screen-film radiography to DR requires thorough user education because of differences in image production, processing, storage and evaluation between the forms of radiography. Without adequate education, radiologic technologists could unknowingly expose children to higher radiation doses than necessary for adequate radiograph quality.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate knowledge about image quality and dose management in pediatric DR among radiologic technologists in the U.S.
  
  
  METHODS
  This communication describes a survey of 493 radiologic technologists who are members of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and who evaluated the current state of radiological technologist education in image quality and dose management in pediatric DR. The survey included 23 survey questions regarding image acquisition issues, quality assurance, radiation exposure and education in DR of infants and children.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Radiologic technologists express many needs in areas of training and education in pediatric DR. Suggested improvements include better tools for immediate feedback about image quality and exposure, more information about appropriate technique settings for pediatric patients, more user-friendly vendor manuals and educational materials, more reliable measures of radiation exposure to patients, and more regular and frequent follow-up by equipment vendors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a clear and widespread need for comprehensive and practical education in digital image technology for radiologic technologists, especially those engaged in pediatric radiography. The creation of better educational materials and training programs, and the continuation of educational opportunities will require a broad commitment from equipment manufacturers and vendors, educational institutions, pediatric radiology specialty organizations, and individual imaging specialists.
authors.affiliation: American Society of Radiologic Technologists, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
authors.forename: Gregory
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.forename: Susan D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: John
authors.forename: Marilyn J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Goske
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Charkot
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Herrmann
authors.forename: Susan N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Culbertson
authors.forename: Kira
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Carbonneau
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D011874:Radiometry; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013679:Technology, Radiologic / Q000193:education*; D014481:United States