The Radiologic Technology Distinguished Author Award in Honor of Jean I. Widger goes to Asher Street Beam, D.H.A., R.T.(R)(MR), MRSO; James M. Ketchum, D.H.A., R.T.(R); Audrey Wilson, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR); Chris Scoles, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR); Ikia Celestine, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR); Layna Phillips Blaylock, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR); Tyler Patrick, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR); and Zack Gray, M.S., R.T.(R)(MR)(CT). Their article, “Safety Resources and Processes in MR Imaging Departments,” was published in the January/February issue of Radiologic Technology.
Dr. Street Beam is director of the master of science in magnetic resonance imaging program and assistant professor in the department of radiologic sciences for the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Health Related Professions. Dr. Ketchum is associate professor and Zack Gray is assistant professor in the department of radiologic sciences for the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Health Related Professions. Audrey Wilson, Chris Scoles and Layna Phillips Blaylock work for St. Dominic Hospital. Ikia Celestine works for Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas. Tyler Patrick works for Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Clinic. Wilson, Scoles, Phillips Blaylock, Celestine, Patrick and Gray are all graduates of the MSMRI program at UMMC.
The goal of their original research study was to identify current standards of safety practices, common safety resources in use and gaps in workflow practices in magnetic resonance imaging departments. They found that proper screening of patients and other individuals, appropriate use of barriers and ferromagnetic detection systems can be effective tools for ensuring patient and personnel safety. Although various safety resources were available at most MR imaging facilities, the resources proved to be only as effective as the safety practices of the MR technologists. They suggest that safety practices in MR imaging departments can be improved upon continually.
The Radiation Therapist Distinguished Author Award in Honor of Harold Silverman goes to Amy A. Heath, M.S., R.T.(T), and Karol J. Huenerberg, M.S.N., A.P.N.P., FNP-BC, AOCNP, for their article, “Evaluating Radiation Oncology Patient Education Materials,” which was published in the spring 2019 issue of Radiation Therapist.
Heath is education director of the radiation oncology department for the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics and adjunct faculty member of the Radiation Therapy Program for the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse. Huenerberg is a nurse practitioner for the Radiation Oncology Department at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison.
For their original research study, they evaluated 152 patient education materials and found that approximately one-third of the materials were current and relevant. In addition, they determined the average reading grade level for the reviewed materials was 8.9; only 37% of the materials analyzed fell into the suggested reading grade level of between third and seventh grade. Because only 1 in 10 Americans has the health literacy skills to manage his or her own health, patients must receive educational material they can understand. The authors suggest radiation oncology departments create a method to evaluate patient education materials to address how current and relevant the information is, as well as whether the material meets national standards for readability and understandability.
The Widger award is named after long-time Radiologic Technology editor Jean I. Widger. The Silverman award is named in honor of radiation therapist Harold Silverman, an advocate for accreditation of radiation therapy educational programs.
The authors will be recognized June 27 at the 2020 Virtual Special Meeting of the ASRT House of Delegates.