Reflection report

Introduction

The paper is written as a requirement in undertaking studies in radiology techniques. The attachment period provides an excellent way for the student to learn more about the patient care and mastery of the postulated guidelines (Jasper, 2003). Moreover, it is structured in a way in which a student can gain work experience in a professional working environment and able to apply knowledge and skills in the field. The use of reflective study is vital in developing an individual's professional qualifications (Jasper, 2003). It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical aspect of being a radiographer. Through reflective research a student becomes aware of the strengths and weaknesses, thus providing a platform for improvement and growth. Reflection of Gibb’s model consists of five stages: description, feelings, evaluation, analyses, conclusion and action plan (Jasper, 2003).

Description

The patient came in with a case of intestinal obstruction. The X-ray machine to be used was a CR machine unlike the DR that is highly automated, the CR X-ray machine to be utilized was analogue (Ledley, 2004). Due to the unfamiliarity of the machine, I took some time to practice the operations before carrying out the imaging process to enhance my proficiency in delivering service to patients. I also took time to familiarise myself with the in-house procedures as well as make preparations for the assessment to be undertaken. The patient was wheeled into the radiography room on a trolley. During her transfer, as part of the standard operating guidelines, it was paramount to establish the identity of the patient first. Usually, the identification process involves approaching the patient, identifying myself and my role in being in the facility (Bleiker, 2011). This step is followed by checking the patient's wristband and follow up questions to establish their identity and address. The patient was however unconscious hence, it necessitated the involvement of the nurse to confirm both the identity and the patient's address no need to check LMP because her aged 75 years old and menstrual period does not come after menopause (Jackson 2011). Also, pertinent information concerning the patient health status was verified by the attending nurse and used health information system (HIS) to check patient history, the last x-ray and why she need this scan. This is important in accessing the patient's mobility to avoid injury during moving and positioning of the patient in performing tests and scans.

Necessary precautions that I took while in the imaging room were the following. As an attempt to prevent any unnecessary exposure of radiation to the outside environment, it was necessary to close the door of the imaging room. Moreover, this was necessary to maintain the integrity of the process as well as ensure the patient's privacy. Adhering to rules of radiation safety ensures that clear images are taken while minimizing the risk of exposure to ionizing radiation. Radiation safety dictates that the radiographer uses a low dose of radiation necessary to get the needed images (Kase 2012). Different organs and tissues in the body vary in their sensitivity to radiation exposure. As I was carrying out X-ray of the abdominal region, the estimated effective radiation dose used ranged depending on whether the imaging would be in the lower GI tract or upper GI tract respectively (Janjeurmat et al. 2016).

Feelings

I was nervous at first because this was my first experience in the field to deal with patients. Moreover, the fact that I was not acquainted with the X-ray machine further increased my anxiety. During the scan I had a number of feelings. Primarily I felt sympathetic for the patient because her condition reminded me of my grandmother she was Unconscious more than two Months However, the support of the nurse on call and the previous preparations I had made before carrying out my assessment gave me a bit of confidence. The unconscious state of the patient was daunting at first, but I used other skills to determine the best positioning of the patient and to ensure maximum safety and care of the patient during the imaging process.

Evaluation what is good and bad about the experience?

In carrying out the assessment, it is vital that step to step examination of the procedure is followed for the expected results to be met efficiently. I showed sympathy towards the patient. My communication with the patient was clear and understood as radiographer said. The image depicted signs of small bowel obstruction that is mostly caused by postoperative adhesions. The image showed distended loops of bowel that extended to more than 3cm and the walls around the bowel were also thickened. The unconscious state of the patient made me under a lot of pressure because I could not directly communicate with her. This also necessitated that I become more vigilant in the positioning of the patient. I was able to carry out proper collimation and able to efficiently use a marker despite the difficulties encountered in X-raying on a trolley. However, the negative point was that I totally forgot to wash my hands and clean the cassette after the examination because I was stressed under examination. My supervisor reiterated the importance of ensuring that before imaging that the cassette under the trolley to be well placed to ensure accurate results and Wash my hands and clean the cassette after the examination. (Woznitza, 2014) This has been done that after the examination.

Analysis

Looking back to the task, at first I felt a little disadvantaged as I had insufficient knowledge in the use of the CR machine, which is fundamentally analogue. The challenges came up in the placement of the cassette under patient in the trolley, the CR reader and How to adjust the situation for the patient, especially if the patient is unconscious. However, I was able to note that in contrast to the DR machine the image processing was quite efficient and the storage of the digitized image was more efficient regarding space as compared to the storage and transfer of films. In administration of patient care, I did not anticipate on having an unconscious patient. This occurrence posed significant challenges in communication. However, during the training period in this department. I was learned how to overcome negative emotions and turn them into positives and take enough time and how to deal with such situations before starting. I also learned from my experience this how to deal with various devices with confidence and without supervision. I have acquired very useful skills and information that can help me in difficult situations. The most important thing i learnt that there are a lot of different ways to fulfil what you want, other than that which you had planned and, how to be flexible with such situations and how to deal with them during scan.

Conclusion

This process has taught me to embrace patience and professionalism in the workplace. Since it is my mandate to take care of the patient, I have gained skills in being tactful and reassuring to put the patient at ease. I learned that I can quickly adapt to pressure and still be able to perform adequately. In dealing with an anxious patient, by following the guidelines of talking her through the process and reassuring her throughout the imaging process, I was able to calm her. As a result, the imaging process went on mishap-free. This experience has been monumental in pointing out areas of weakness that I need to improve. My supervisor advised that I polish up on my knowledge of anatomy and also on the use of various X-ray machines. Working in this environment fostered skills of teamwork that I have come to appreciate sincerely. Moreover, the support given to me during the process has been invaluable and will make my transition into the field less daunting. The period in the field was very educational, and I enjoyed working with the entire team.

Action Plan

Reflection is important because it allows the opportunity to review the procedures and outcomes during the imaging process. The challenges encountered are used as reference points to ensure that in future the assessment is carried out efficiently while addressing the problems. There were challenges in the positioning of the patient. The cassette under the trolley was not centrally placed, hence resulting in lack of clarity on the left side of the abdomen as it was raised. Though the developed image was sufficient for a reliable diagnosis, it may cause challenges in imaging for larger patients in the future (Lusk, 2013). It is essential to follow the hygiene protocol, which includes sanitizing of hands before and after handling patients. I plan to master the protocol involved in patient transfer and positioning to ensure that the same mistakes of the cassette positioning are not reencountered. Moreover, I need to master the use of the CR machine, and the use of markers in imaging to ensure detailed images are made to provide a proper diagnosis.