Radiography (London, England : 1995) · 2025
Knowledge, attitudes and challenges of medical imaging professionals towards contrast-enhanced ultrasound studies in Zambia.
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Sutherland O, Kafwimbi S, Sichone J M, Sindaza N, Mulenga C, Bwanga O
Аннотация
INTRODUCTION: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a viable alternative to Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in low-resource settings. In Zambia, there is a notable absence of trained medical imaging professionals in this ultrasound diagnostic technique. This study aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of medical imaging professionals regarding CEUS and identify challenges to implementation in Zambia.
METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical online survey was conducted from 11th November 2024 to 3rd January 2025. Imaging professionals performing ultrasound in Zambia were invited to complete the online questionnaire posted on their social media platforms using convenience and snowball sampling. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS: Most respondents demonstrated knowledge of common contrast media side effects (84.7 %), commonly used agents (82.1 %), and detection of parenchymal diseases (64.4 %). However, few (13.6 %) were able to identify the first ultrasound examination to apply contrast media. Overwhelmingly, respondents expressed willingness to be trained in intravenous (IV) cannulation and contrast media administration and supported extending their scope of practice (96.6 %) to include these procedures. A significant challenge identified was the lack of CEUS software on ultrasound equipment (84.7 %). Other essential challenges indicated are non-availability of contrast media (88.1 %) and a lack of training in CEUS (100 %).
CONCLUSION: Medical imaging practitioners in Zambia demonstrate a readiness for the practice of CEUS. However, the technological, educational, and regulatory infrastructures are currently insufficient.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: For CEUS practice to be realised in Zambia, a concerted approach to address the critical impediments is essential without which the significant advantages of CEUS will keep eluding the Zambian population.
METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical online survey was conducted from 11th November 2024 to 3rd January 2025. Imaging professionals performing ultrasound in Zambia were invited to complete the online questionnaire posted on their social media platforms using convenience and snowball sampling. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS: Most respondents demonstrated knowledge of common contrast media side effects (84.7 %), commonly used agents (82.1 %), and detection of parenchymal diseases (64.4 %). However, few (13.6 %) were able to identify the first ultrasound examination to apply contrast media. Overwhelmingly, respondents expressed willingness to be trained in intravenous (IV) cannulation and contrast media administration and supported extending their scope of practice (96.6 %) to include these procedures. A significant challenge identified was the lack of CEUS software on ultrasound equipment (84.7 %). Other essential challenges indicated are non-availability of contrast media (88.1 %) and a lack of training in CEUS (100 %).
CONCLUSION: Medical imaging practitioners in Zambia demonstrate a readiness for the practice of CEUS. However, the technological, educational, and regulatory infrastructures are currently insufficient.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: For CEUS practice to be realised in Zambia, a concerted approach to address the critical impediments is essential without which the significant advantages of CEUS will keep eluding the Zambian population.