Development of a checklist for interpretation of chest X-rays

The researchers used a three-phased exploratory sequential mixed methodology to develop a quantitative checklist. In phase one, the results from the literature review were jointly displayed with recommendations from another qualitative study to form meta-inferences. The domains were operationalised and jointly displayed to build items for a preliminary qualitative checklist for chest interpretation. The researcher developed a draft survey tool. Phase two comprised a review of the preliminary checklist and survey tool. The checklist was further developed and validated by a panel of nine experts using the Delphi technique. In phase three, the developed quantitative standardisation, communication, image evaluation, and pattern recognition (SCIEPR) checklist, was sent for field testing. A biostatistician validated the survey tool before use. 103 participants (40 radiographers and 63 medical doctors) in district hospitals were recruited to use the SCIEPR checklist in clinical settings. A cross-sectional study design was applied. Purposive sampling was used, and interested participants signed consent. Participants were given four weeks per hospital to use the checklist at least three times before taking part in the three-phase Likert scale survey. The survey validated the checklist's relevance, clarity, and duration to complete. The data from open and closed questions were analysed. Quantitative results were grouped and are presented as percentages in bar graphs. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Codes were grouped into categories, and themes were identified to support the quantitative results.