The role of the GI radiographer: A UK perspective Nightingale, J and Hogg, P Title The role of the GI radiographer: A UK perspective Authors Nightingale, J and Hogg, P Type Article URL This version is available at: http://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/12543/ Published Date 2007 USIR is a digital collection of the research output of the University of Salford. Where copyright permits, full text material held in the repository is made freely available online and can be read, downloaded and copied for non-commercial private study or research purposes. Please check the manuscript for any further copyright restrictions. For more information, including our policy and submission procedure, please contact the Repository Team at:
[email protected]. ...................................................................................................... PEER REVIEW The Role of the GI Radiographer: A United Kingdom Perspective JULIE NIGHTINGALE, M.Sc. PETER HOGG, M.Phil. Context Since the 1990s radiographers in the United Kingdom have expanded their role in gastrointestinal (GI) radiology, first by performing double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) examinations independently and later by interpreting and reporting the results of these exams. Objective This article will trace the evolution of GI radiographers in the United Kingdom, evaluate their success and explore how the U.K. experience could apply to American radiologist assistants. Methods The authors surveyed the professional literature to determine the historical context in which GI radiographers emerged and assess how their performance on DCBE exams compares with radiologists’ performance. Results DCBE exams performed by GI radiographers have been shown to be efficient, cost effective and safe. In addition, GI radiographers have helped reduce waiting and turnaround times for DCBE exams.