TY - JOUR AU - Khan, Abbaas AU - Lockwood, Paul PY - 2021/12/31 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Pre-registration UK diagnostic radiography student ability and confidence in interpretation of chest X-rays : Radiography student ability and confidence in interpretation of chest X-rays JF - Radiography Open JA - RadOpen VL - 7 IS - 1 SE - Articles DO - 10.7577/radopen.4529 UR - https://journals.oslomet.no/index.php/radopen/article/view/4529 SP - 1-13 AB - <p><em>Introduction</em> Chest X-rays are the most frequently requested X-ray imaging in English hospitals. This study aimed to assess final year UK radiography student’s confidence and ability in image interpretation of chest X-rays.</p><p><em>Methods</em> Thirty-three diagnostic radiography students were invited to assess their confidence and ability in interpreting chest x-rays from a bank of <em>n</em>=10 cases using multiple choice answers. Data analysis included 2x2 contingency tables, Kappa for inter-rater reliability, a Likert scale of confidence for each case, and questions to assess individual interpretation skills and ways to increase the learning of the subject.</p><p><em>Results</em> Twenty-three students participated in the study. The pooled accuracy achieved was 61% (95% CI 38.4-77.7; <em>k</em>=0.22). The degree of confidence and ability varied depending upon the student and the conditions observed. High confidence was noted with COVID-19 (<em>n</em>=12/23; 52%), lung metastasis (<em>n</em>=14/23; 61%), and pneumothorax (<em>n</em>=13/23; 57%). Low confidence was noted with conditions of consolidation (<em>n</em>=8/23; 35%), haemothorax (<em>n</em>=8/23; 35%), and surgical emphysema (<em>n</em>=8/23; 35%). From the sample <em>n</em>=11 (48%), participants stated they felt they had the knowledge to interpret chest X-rays required for a newly qualified radiographer.</p><p><em>Conclusion</em> The results demonstrated final year radiography student’s confidence and ability in image interpretation of chest X-rays. Student feedback indicated a preference for learning support through university lectures, online study resources, and time spent with reporting radiographers on clinical practice to improve ability and confidence in interpreting chest X-rays.</p> ER -