# Impact of Education and Experience on Radiographers’ Ability to Diagnose Acute Appendicitis: A Survey in Private Malaysian Hospitals

## TL;DR

This study shows that education and experience significantly influence radiographers' ability to diagnose acute appendicitis using imaging techniques in Malaysian private hospitals.

## Contribution

The study identifies education and experience as key predictors of radiographers' diagnostic knowledge for acute appendicitis.

## Key findings

- Radiographers with a bachelor's degree scored higher in MRI-based diagnosis regardless of experience.
- Experience over five years improved knowledge of CT and USG features for acute appendicitis.
- Experience was a stronger predictor of overall knowledge than education level.

## Abstract

Acute appendicitis is a global surgical emergency. Radiographic modalities usually identify acute appendicitis, although radiographers’ competence is questionable. This study examines how clinical radiographers’ education and experience affect their ability to identify acute appendicitis using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (USG) characteristics. The study also aimed to determine which variable strongly influences their knowledge level.

The study surveyed radiographers with a four-part self-administered questionnaire containing demographic information and eight knowledge-based questions about the appearance of acute appendicitis in MRI, CT and USG, separately. Before distribution, the questionnaire was validated and checked the reliability.

Clinical radiographers’ knowledge about using MRI to diagnose acute appendicitis was strongly affected by education and experience (η2 = 0.13 and 0.14; P < 0.05), with bachelor’s degree holders scoring higher regardless of experience. Radiographers with more than 5 years of experience knew more about CT and USG features to identify acute appendicitis (η2 = 0.40 and 0.27; P < 0.05). Radiographers with a bachelor’s degree and greater experience had higher overall knowledge of MRI, CT and USG to diagnose acute appendicitis (η2 = 0.51 and 0.11; P < 0.05). With adjusted R2 = 54% (F [2, 44] = 27.94; P < 0.001), education and experience highly predicted the overall knowledge level.

The study found gaps in radiographers’ knowledge of the radiographic appearance of acute appendicitis. Clinical radiographers’ education level and years of experience substantially affect their knowledge level. In addition, experience is a good predictor than education level for overall knowledge level. Therefore, the study emphasises the importance of continuing education and training for radiographers to diagnose acute appendicitis quickly and accurately.