Radiography 17 (2011) 175

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Radiography

journal homepage: www.elsevier .com/locate/radi

Book Reviews

Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research–Skills and Strate-gies, A. Ramlaul (Ed.) Churchill Livingstone, London (2010).Cost: £26.99, 287 pp., ISBN: 9780702031045

One of the frustrations for individuals undertaking researchwithin Radiography and Radiotherapy is that whilst there is awealthof extant literature that addresses the theory of research, this isfrequently scattered throughout a variety of texts, few of which useconcrete examples from radiography/radiotherapy practice to high-light the practice andprocess of research. ‘Medical Imaging and Radio-therapy Research’ is the first time a research text book has beenpublished that specifically focuses on the radiographic profession.

One of the strengths of this text is its broad scope that addressesa variety of methodological approaches and links these to theanalytical process, frameworks and concepts that they underpin.The information within the text allows the reader to explore theresearch process in its entirety stemming from research philoso-phies, methodological considerations, data handling and dissemi-nation of findings. The editorial, foreword and opening chapterssquarely contextualise the importance of research within radiog-raphy, and the organisation of the following chapters reflects theprocedural stages of research culminating in a useful explorationof structuring and writing up during the final stages of the researchjourney. Throughout, the material is presented in a clearly under-standable manner. The two chapters dealing with data analysisare particularly useful and may go some way to allaying the fearsof first time researchers wrestling with their data. This is achievedby reflection on real life examples of data manipulation and the useof schematic flow charts that illustrate the decisionmaking process.Postgraduate students or those more experienced in research mayalso find these chapters of use, although through its very naturea text such as this does not have the scope to explore the minutiaeof any one individual analytical approach that may be employedwithin any given research project.

Whilst the editorial stance taken in this publication clearly aimsto address those undertaking undergraduate and postgraduatestudies, there is a wealth of information that will also be of use topractitioner radiographers who engage with evidence based prac-tices on a daily basis.

Nick WhiteDepartment of Radiography, Birmingham City University,

United KingdomE-mail address: nick.white@bcu.ac.uk

1 December 2010Available online 31 December 2010

doi:10.1016/j.radi.2010.12.002

Interpreting chest X-rays, Stephen Ellis, Scion Publishing Ltd,(2010). Cost: £24.99, P. 245, paperback, ISBN: 978-1-904842-77-4

This book is written by a thoracic radiologist and would be suit-able for healthcare professionals involved in chest imaging andinterpretation particularly radiographers, medical students andchest physicians. It would serve as a cost effective personal resourcein addition to the more comprehensive texts provided by imagingdepartments and medical libraries.

The book is designed as a ‘how to’ guide and reference toolrather than the ‘quiz your knowledge’ approach of similar texts.The contents page clearly lays out each chapter allowing the userto dip in and out of relevant sections as necessary.

The first five chapters provide a good introduction to imageinterpretation although those less familiar with chest x-rays mayneed to supplement the small section on normal chest x-rayappearances. Some good review techniques, pitfalls and commonvariants are outlined along with a comprehensive section onpattern recognition supported by diagrams and tables.

The remaining 12 chapters are divided into clear anatomical/pathological categories including a good section on pleural diseaseand the effect of technique on image appearance and diagnosticvalue.

Where this book succeeds is in the succinct explanations withclear correlation between pathological process and radiographicappearance. The short texts are supported by a large volume of rele-vant images and the use of magnification tools and clear annota-tions. Cross sectional images aides the understanding of chestx-ray appearances.

Unfortunately the reliance on images is let down in this bookby the sub-optimal contrast and quality of the printed imageshowever, the publisher has addressed this issue by making theimages available online.

Carrie JonesDiagnostic Radiography, City University, London,

United KingdomE-mail address: Carrie.jones.1@city.ac.uk

1 December 2010Available online 31 December 2010

doi:10.1016/j.radi.2010.12.003