My work as a radiographer
I work as a radiographer in a hospital. I use a lot of digital services in my work. All patient information and referrals are on computers. We use two patient information systems: LifeCare and RIS. In LifeCare, doctors create referrals, from which they are transferred to RIS. RIS is the patient information system used by radiographers. There we can see all the information related to imaging: referral, risk information and the patient’s personal information. For example, we can check the results of laboratory tests from LifeCare. Before we give a patient a contrast medicine, we need to check the patient’s creatinine level, because it indicates the patient’s kidney function. In addition to these systems, we use the Imatis application. For example, it allows us to check which ward our patients are in and we can set a ”care pathway” for patients, which helps the nurses working in the ward know how to prepare the patient for the scan. We can also make a transport request, when the patient is ready in the ward and we have time to scan the patient.
When I take regular X-rays, I use the aforementioned applications RIS and Imatis. For ultrasound, I also use LifeCare because I need to check patients’ laboratory results, as well as for computed tomography. When I do computed tomography, I also use a digital calculator to figure out how much contrast medicine to give the patient. The amount of contrast medicine is often calculated based on the patient’s weight. The contrast medicine and other medicine used in all our examinations are recorded in the patient’s information system RIS.
All imaging devices are digital. Usually, we use a computer, as well as the display of the imaging device, and for example a digital touchscreen of the X-ray tube. In CT, we also use the touchscreen on the device, which is connected to a 3D camera, which we use to position the patient. In CT, we use a contrast medicine syringe. The contrast medicine syringe is connected to a touchscreen monitor, from which we start the contrast medicine injection during the imaging.
At work, I also use a computer for e-mail and Microsoft Teams. I use these to communicate with colleagues and outsiders.
Social media applications in my field
My first choice is ChatGPT. I think that AI (artificial intelligence) brings a lot of possibilities. In a hospital, ChatGPT could be most helpful in answering patients’ questions. Patients usually have a lot of questions about different things. ChatGPT could advise patients to register and answer the most common questions. For example, in our unit, patients often ask whether they need to remove all metals for a CT scan. ChatGPT could tell them that it is enough to remove metals from the area being imaged. Sometimes patients are worried about the radiation dose from the scans. ChatGPT could answer these questions as well.
My second choice is YouTube. In our unit, we could make videos for YouTube, where we talk about different imaging procedures. We could give general instructions on how to prepare for imaging. We could also use the videos to introduce the imaging equipment and show what kind of facilities our hospital has. When a patient comes to the hospital for the first time, they could first watch a video on YouTube. That way, the patient would know how to find the right place and know how to register. We could also make videos for children. In those videos, we would explain things at a child’s level. That way, the child would know that there is no need to be afraid of the imaging, because it does not hurt. We could also explain how important it is to be completely still. We could create a video where we tell about breathing advice we give during the chest x-ray imaging and then the child could practice that with their mother or father at home. Some children could be helped if they knew that the MRI machine makes a loud noise and that they do not need to be afraid of it.
My next choices are Facebook and Instagram. Many units and wards in our hospital have social media accounts. Our unit does not. We could share videos from YouTube for example on Facebook and Instagram. We could also reach young people, especially through Instagram. We could share pictures and short videos about our unit on these platforms, even with a humorous twist. We could also share My Day videos and tell people how Christmas is celebrated in our department.
My final choice is WhatsApp. Currently, internal communication at work is done via email or Microsoft Teams. WhatsApp could be on everyone’s phone. The group could be muted during days off, but it could be activated for use during work shifts. There could be several types of groups. Teams and email are not very functional in our work as radiographers, because for example at the CT four radiographers are working at the same time, but only one has a computer open. If someone wanted to approach me with a message but I don’t have my account open, the message wouldn’t reach me. WhatsApp would be more real-time. For example, we could have a group where an employee could tell about a sick leave. Then an employee could tell their willingness in the group as soon as they saw the message. The boss wouldn’t need to call every employee and ask who would come to work.
Positive and negative sides of social media
I am not sure what I think about the use of social media in the workplace, or in general. I am now assessing its importance and impact in the workplace. For example, the aforementioned YouTube videos could have a positive impact on the patient experience. Updates on Instagram and Facebook could also be informative and thus make it easier to visit in our unit. However, some patients assume that they will get answers to their questions through social media. There should be a clear rules that no one’s questions will be answered through social media. It should also be decided whether the videos and photos will be made in a way that does not show the radiographers’ faces. Many radiographers do not want to be filmed while they are doing their job. Our unit does not have any social media yet, and I think that is a good thing.
Self evaluation
This part of the course was the most enjoyable! I need a lot of time to read and write English. It was nice to write about my own work, because the English vocabulary was familiar from my own studies and working life. It was nice to think about and plan how to use social media at my own workplace. For a while, I even felt inspired by the idea of using social media at my own work. However, I like the idea that we don’t use social media at my workplace. Although the vocabulary was mostly familiar, I also learned new words while writing this blog.