RADIOGRAPHY SCIENCE IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM
According to Akroyd and Wold (1998) radiography may well be the fastest technically advancing field in medicine today due to computer enhancement and other technological developments. In most hospitals and other medical centers, radiographers are highly skilled health professionals who work closely with physicians specializing in the use of x rays.
Radiographers also provide patient services using a variety of imaging modalities. For example, in addition to conventional x ray procedures, the radiographer also works with computerized axial tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound. The radiographer must apply the principles of radiation protection, use and be competent in the maintenance of delicate and complicated equipment and often deal with patients who are under stress. There are also industrial applications of radiography such as examining manufactured goods for internal flaws without damaging the product.
In a discussion of the role of radiography in the next millennium, Carr and Fell (1997) state that radiographers are more than adequately prepared for the rapidly changing future, but precisely what changes can the future be expected to bring in radiography science? The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the possible innovations that can be expected to take place in radiography.
The new millennium can be expected to see diverse changes and expansions with respect to radiography. These are changes that will take place in both the technology and in radiographers' professional roles. Both kinds of changes are discussed below.
Possible Changes/Expansions in Technology
Bragg, Murray and Tripp (1997) state that the new millennium could see increased use of computer radiography. According to the authors, the film quality is superb, and the learning curve for radiologists to adapt to the added noise from anatomic structures on radiographs is sho...