X-ray film reject rate analysis at eight selected government hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2010

Abstract

Background: Improper practices in radiography that lead to possible repeating of procedures predispose patients for additional cost, more waiting time, and excess dose of ionizing radiation, leading to various dose dependent and dose independent health problems including cancer. In the face of such problems and the scarcity of resources, improving
the quality and efficiency of radiology services is imperative.
Objective: The purpose of this research was to identify the main causes of film faults as well as the pattern and magnitude of film rejection.
Methods: Using a prospective cross-sectional hospital based approach; eight public hospitals were selected in Addis Ababa through convenience sampling. Adult and pediatrics radiographs with film faults were reviewed using a standardized checklist of common causes of reject. The collected data were then entered into a database for analysis using descriptive statistics.
Results: Reject rate was calculated in eight governmental hospitals across all plain film examinations. The overall reject rate was 374 (3.1 %) in 12,165 x-ray exposures. Total reject rate by hospital showed 10.5% for Zewditu and 1.53% and 1.87% for Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) and the Police Hospital, respectively.
Conclusions: Rejected films were found to have been caused by numerous factors including poor technical judgment, patient motion, and poor supervision of staff. Hence, strategies need to be developed within medical imaging departments to improve the situation.

[Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2012;26(1):54-59]