Diagnostic Performance and Eye Movement Parameters during Radiographic Image Interpretation among Radiographers

The radiographer\u27s role in the imaging field is producing the best image to diagnose. Hence, this study is conducted to justify the ability of radiographers in terms of diagnostic performance and visual search patterns during radiographic image interpretation based on their experience. The musculoskeletal radiographic images were chosen as radiographers are expected to perform image interpretation in the red dot system as one of the expanded and extended roles of the radiographer. Sensitivity and specificity in the detection of abnormality are measured. The gaze plot, fixation count and duration are compared between groups of radiographers by using an eye tracker. 19 radiographic images consist of upper and lower extremities are used as stimuli in this study. The result from this study shows no significant difference in terms of sensitivity and specificity with a p-value of 0.818 and 0.146 respectively. For visual search pattern, two images have significant different in term of fixation count (Image 1, p = 0.017Image 2, p = 0.042) and two images in fixation duration (Image 1, p = 0.001Image 15, p = 0.021). The gaze plot is not different from an unstructured pattern and less coverage. In conclusion, the experience did not give an influence on the radiographic image interpretation. This may suggest that specific training in areas appropriate to the development of the radiographer could improve the image interpretation