EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP ON QUALITY CONTROL OF RADIOGRAPHY BASED ON BASIC PHYSICAL PRINCIPLES TO IMPROVE PATIENT SAFETY AT THE PINANG CITY REGIONAL GENERAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

This study addresses the critical issue of suboptimal radiographic image quality and its implications for patient safety in diagnostic imaging, a persistent challenge rooted in the inconsistent application and understanding of fundamental physics principles among radiographers. In the realm of diagnostic imaging, the accurate and safe execution of radiographic examinations is paramount for effective patient care and optimal clinical outcomes. Suboptimal quality not only compromises diagnostic accuracy, leading to potential misdiagnosis and delayed treatment, but also exposes patients to unnecessary radiation doses, thereby undermining patient safety. The theoretical underpinnings of radiographic quality are deeply rooted in fundamental physics principles governing radiation production, interaction with matter, and image formation, yet a critical gap exists in their consistent application, particularly in regional hospitals where access to continuous professional development may be limited. Recent trends emphasizing patient safety initiatives and healthcare facility accreditation underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions that bridge this knowledge-practice gap. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a physics-based fundamental principles quality control education workshop in enhancing the knowledge and practical application of quality assurance parameters among radiographers at Dr. Pirngadi General Hospital, Medan, guided by the Adult Learning Theory. Employing a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design with a purposive sample of 30 radiographers, participants' baseline knowledge was assessed using a validated questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88), followed by a two-day workshop covering essential physics concepts relevant to radiographic quality. Post-workshop assessment utilized the same instrument, augmented by a practical component evaluating common image artifacts. Data analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in participants' knowledge scores, with mean scores rising from 55.2% (SD = 8.9) pre-workshop to 82.5% (SD = 6.5) post-workshop (t(29) = 15.67, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 2.87), indicating a greater understanding of radiation dose optimization and image noise factors. The practical assessment also demonstrated a marked improvement in the ability to identify and explain artifact causes (p < 0.01), with an unexpected finding of heightened awareness regarding the ethical implications of suboptimal quality. This study concludes that a targeted educational workshop grounded in fundamental physics principles is a highly effective strategy for enhancing radiographers' knowledge and skills in radiographic quality control, directly contributing to improved patient safety by promoting accurate diagnoses and minimizing radiation exposure. The findings offer significant theoretical contributions in demonstrating the efficacy of physics-based education in bridging scientific principles with clinical practice, and provide a strong practical rationale for integrating similar programs into standard professional development curricula for radiographers in public hospitals, with future research encouraged to explore long-term impacts and cost effectiveness.