F. O. IGBINEDION

X-ray imaging is crucial in diagnosis and treatment planning but the failure of equipment to deliver services efficiently is major challenge to service delivery in most of the developing healthcare systems. This paper evaluated the causes, incidence and outcome of X-ray equipment down times on patient satisfaction at a tertiary hospital in Benin City. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, in which 200 patients were surveyed by use of a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests at 0.05 level of significance were used to analyze the data. The results showed that poor maintenance was rated as the significant reason to the downtime, and 74 percent of the participants indicated that the equipment failure was common. Frequently, over half of the patients (56%) had waited because of machine failure, and downtime was found to have a significant negative impact on the flow of patients, the waiting time, and the delay of treatment. The patient effect was high as most patients highlighted discontentment, anxiety, and having to revisit another day because of cancelled appointments. The chi-square findings indicated that there was a statistically significant correlation between equipment downtime and delayed care (kh2 = 92.45, df = 16, p < 0.0001), which confirmed the fact that equipment downtime adversely impacts on service quality and patient satisfaction. The researcher makes the conclusion that the direct impact of X-ray equipments downtime on patient care and satisfaction in UBTH is negative. It suggests that preventive maintenance schedules, quick-response technical support and better communication with patients during a service interruption be implemented. Improving equipment management practices will improve continuity of service delivery, decrease patient dissatisfaction, and boost the general efficiency of diagnostic services in tertiary health institutions.

Radiology request forms (RRFs) are crucial tools that facilitate communication between referring clinicians and radiology departments, ensuring appropriate and justified imaging studies. When these forms are poorly completed, it can lead to diagnostic mistakes, treatment delays, unnecessary radiation exposure, and increased healthcare costs. This study evaluated how thoroughly referring physicians completed RRFs at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and RayTouch Diagnostic Center in Benin City. A retrospective review of 1,600 forms submitted from June to November 2024 assessed key elements such as patient data, clinical background, requested imaging,and physician information. Completion rates were generally high—83.2% for patient identification, 94.2% for clinical history, 95.2%forimaging requests, and 94.9% for physician details—with UBTH performing better overall. Nevertheless, notable gaps, especially inpatient identification, were observed. Survey responses from21healthcare professionals revealed that incomplete forms often led to repeated tests, diagnostic errors, and operational inefficiencies. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between the two facilities. These results highlight the importance of implementing electronic RRF systems, ongoing training for clinicians, and institutional policies to improve documentation. Such measures could enhance diagnostic precision, reduce unnecessary procedures, and improve patient safety.

Clinical placements form a very integral component of radiography education; it is the link between theoretical knowledge and practical application. In recent years, the advancement in imaging technology such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and fluoroscopy amongst many others have required a higher level of technical proficiency from radiographers. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of clinical placement duration on University of Benin radiography students’ proficiency in carrying out advanced imaging modalities. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 300lv-500lv Radiography student of the university of Benin who had gone through clinical posting through a structured and validated questionnaire assessing socio-demographics, clinical placement duration, and student’s proficiency in performing advanced imaging modalities. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests (Chi-square) with a level of significance set at p< 0.05. A total of 208 radiography students participated inthe study, findings revealed a positive and statistically significant correlation between longer clinical placement duration and higher reported proficiency in CT and MRI (p<0.05), while the association was weaker for fluoroscopy and mammography. Students with ≥12 weeks cumulative posting in advanced imaging units demonstrated significantly higher confidence and task-execution ability compared to those with shorter exposure. Insufficient hands-on opportunity, equipment downtime and high patient load limiting student participation were reported as major constraints to skill acquisition. The study concludes that the duration and frequency of clinical placement have a significant impact on radiography students’ proficiency in performing advanced imaging procedures.

This descriptive cross-sectional study investigated the impact of night call duty on the sleep patterns and associated symptoms among licensed radiographers and interns in Benin City, Nigeria. Given the very important 24-hour nature of diagnostic imaging services, this research addresses a critical gap in the body of knowledge regarding the occupational health impact of night call schedules within this specific group of professionals. A sample of 31 practicing
radiographers filled structured questionnaires detailing their night call schedules, sleep duration and as well as the occurrence of related symptoms. Descriptive and inferential analysis (using SPSS v29.0), confirmed all respondents engage in night call duty, involving shifts exceeding 12
hours sometimes. A significant association between night call duty and poor sleep quality (p <0.05), with a large proportion of radiographers reporting insufficient sleep (averaging less than 7 hours) and sleep disturbances, including multiple awakenings was discovered. These disturbances translate into a high prevalence of concerning symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, mood changes, and microsleep. The study concludes that the current night call duty model poses a substantial risk to the well-being of radiographers, potentially affecting their professional
performance and, increasing the risk of procedural errors that may compromise the safety of patients and coworkers. Policy recommendations include implementing stricter maximum shift duration limits, establishing mandatory post-call recovery periods, and providing dedicated on- site rest facilities to mitigate these occupational hazards.