Journal of medical imaging and radiation sciences · 2025
Community and residential care providers' perspectives on the impact of mobile x-ray services in Ireland: A national study.
СтатьяНазвание и аннотация: Перевод пока не подготовлен
Обработка статьи · этапы, ошибки и управление
Загрузка состояния…
Ошибки и ограничения
История · было → стало
Состояние обновляется каждые 5 секунд, пока блок открыт. Процент показывается только там, где известен объём работы. Пауза останавливает продолжение этапа; текущий запрос к источнику может завершиться.
O'Connor Michelle, Fagan Mairead, Ryan Marie-Louise
Аннотация
BACKGROUND: Mobile X-ray services offer timely diagnostics for frail or immobile patients, potentially reducing hospital admissions. However, limited research exists on implementation from the care facility perspective. This study examines the operational, organisational, and experiential use of mobile X-ray services in Irish care homes, identifying key barriers and facilitators.
METHODS: A cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to all 377 healthcare facility managers nationwide who use mobile X-ray services, constituting a census of the eligible population. The anonymous survey was circulated via email by the mobile X-ray service provider in October 2024, remained open for four weeks, and included a reminder sent after two weeks. The pilot-tested 23-item instrument captured data across three domains: operational (referral pathways, usage frequency, logistical access), organisational (facility type, ownership, size, duration of service use), and experiential (perceived benefits, challenges, and satisfaction). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binomial logistic regression to examine predictors of mobile X-ray usage, with independent variables including facility type, ownership, size, and service duration. All analyses were conducted in SPSS version 29, using two-sided significance tests. Qualitative data underwent deductive thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained.
RESULTS: Of 114 respondents (30.2% response rate), most were from nursing homes (82.5%, n = 94) and private facilities (65.8%, n = 75). Multivariable regression, adjusted for facility and service characteristics, found no significant predictors of satisfaction (p < 0.05). Overall, the model did not significantly improve prediction of utilisation rates compared with a baseline model (Omnibus LR χ² = 3.34, df = 6, p = 0.77). General Practitioners (GPs) initiated 93% of referrals, primarily for chest, pelvis/hip, and extremity imaging. The most important motivations were reducing patient discomfort and avoiding hospital transfers, with 97.2%-99.1% of respondents rating these factors as "important" or "extremely important" in the decision to use mobile radiography services. Reported benefits included fewer hospitalisations, improved patient comfort, and diagnostic efficiency. Barriers involved limited availability, logistical access issues and GP referral issues.
DISCUSSION: Findings indicate that mobile X-ray services are a highly valued component of community-based healthcare in Ireland, aligning with principles of patient-centred care. The high satisfaction and perceived benefits support the role of these services in improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital admissions. The study also highlights areas for operational improvement, such as streamlining referral processes.
CONCLUSION: Mobile X-ray services are well-supported by Irish care providers, enhancing diagnostic access and patient comfort. Findings indicate that these services align with people-centred and ageing-focused healthcare strategies, supporting their potential role in broader national care models.
METHODS: A cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to all 377 healthcare facility managers nationwide who use mobile X-ray services, constituting a census of the eligible population. The anonymous survey was circulated via email by the mobile X-ray service provider in October 2024, remained open for four weeks, and included a reminder sent after two weeks. The pilot-tested 23-item instrument captured data across three domains: operational (referral pathways, usage frequency, logistical access), organisational (facility type, ownership, size, duration of service use), and experiential (perceived benefits, challenges, and satisfaction). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binomial logistic regression to examine predictors of mobile X-ray usage, with independent variables including facility type, ownership, size, and service duration. All analyses were conducted in SPSS version 29, using two-sided significance tests. Qualitative data underwent deductive thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained.
RESULTS: Of 114 respondents (30.2% response rate), most were from nursing homes (82.5%, n = 94) and private facilities (65.8%, n = 75). Multivariable regression, adjusted for facility and service characteristics, found no significant predictors of satisfaction (p < 0.05). Overall, the model did not significantly improve prediction of utilisation rates compared with a baseline model (Omnibus LR χ² = 3.34, df = 6, p = 0.77). General Practitioners (GPs) initiated 93% of referrals, primarily for chest, pelvis/hip, and extremity imaging. The most important motivations were reducing patient discomfort and avoiding hospital transfers, with 97.2%-99.1% of respondents rating these factors as "important" or "extremely important" in the decision to use mobile radiography services. Reported benefits included fewer hospitalisations, improved patient comfort, and diagnostic efficiency. Barriers involved limited availability, logistical access issues and GP referral issues.
DISCUSSION: Findings indicate that mobile X-ray services are a highly valued component of community-based healthcare in Ireland, aligning with principles of patient-centred care. The high satisfaction and perceived benefits support the role of these services in improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital admissions. The study also highlights areas for operational improvement, such as streamlining referral processes.
CONCLUSION: Mobile X-ray services are well-supported by Irish care providers, enhancing diagnostic access and patient comfort. Findings indicate that these services align with people-centred and ageing-focused healthcare strategies, supporting their potential role in broader national care models.