DHDR : A Detector holder for chest lateral decubitus radiography

Abstract

Background : The Radiology Department of Bannangsata Hospital reviewed chest X-ray data in 2023 and found 19 cases of chest X-ray taken from the lateral decubitus view, with six cases of repeat chest X-ray lateral decubitus positioning accounting for 31.58%. The cause of this was identified as a positional error. To address this issue, The Radiology Department developed The DHDR: A Detector Holder for Chest Lateral Decubitus Radiography.
Objective : This study was to reduce the rate of repeat chest X-ray lateral decubitus views due to positional errors.
Activities : The development process included: 1) Meeting with the clinical leadership team to present information on medical equipment, specifically DR panel holders available on the market, which were found to have limitations such as not being adjustable in height and not accommodating weak patients. This leads to innovation creation. 2) Designing a DHDR with features such as height adjustment, enabling weak patients to hold on, and eliminating the need for relatives or staff to hold the detector, thereby avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure. The device was stable, strong, and easy to move. 3) Constructing a DHDR that consists of nine components and involves eight steps in the manufacturing process. 4) Training staff in units using DHDR.
Results : The results of implementing the DHDR innovation (from January to September 2024) with patient consent showed that the rate of repeat chest X-ray lateral decubitus view owing to position error was zero. The images obtained covered the area from the lung apex to the costophrenic angle according to the doctor's orders. Further development of the innovation will be divided into two aspects: 1) using it in conjunction with X-ray imaging in the chest PA upright position for outside services with portable X-rays, and 2) disseminating the DHDR innovation in Phase 1 to the radiology network in Yala Province for further medical use.
Conclusion : DHDR innovation can reduce the rate of repeated chest X-ray lateral decubitus views according to purpose. The images were high quality, comprehensive, and clear, according to the doctor's orders. When compared, the costs were considered worth the benefits received.