Chad Hensley, clinical associate professor for the School of Medical Imaging and Radiologic Sciences at Boise State University, presented at the Asociación Latinoamericana de Tecnólogos en Radiología in Costa Rica in September 2025. Hensley delivered two sessions focused on patient safety, ethical practice, and diagnostic quality in medical imaging.
The presentations addressed important topics for radiologic technologists and their role in healthcare. The first session, titled “Medical Imaging’s Role in Abusive Head Trauma,” examined how technologists contribute to evaluating and documenting suspected abusive head trauma in pediatric patients. Hensley discussed the shift from using the term “shaken baby syndrome” to “abusive head trauma” and emphasized understanding injury mechanisms involving both the central nervous system and skeletal system.
Hensley highlighted a multidisciplinary approach to imaging that includes radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, and sonography. He said technologists have a responsibility to produce high-quality diagnostic images while remaining attentive to legal, ethical, and emotional complexities inherent in suspected child abuse cases.
In his second presentation, “Current Trends in Radiation Protection: Are Patients Still Being Protected?” Hensley explored changes in radiation safety practices within digital imaging environments. He reviewed historical foundations such as the “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” principle and evaluated current evidence regarding patient shielding and collimation standards. The session also discussed emerging trends related to declining use of shielding sensitive areas and evolving collimation practices.
Hensley drew on current research and professional guidance to offer evidence-based recommendations about which radiation protection practices should be maintained or reconsidered. He also addressed the importance of technologists educating patients to ensure understanding and trust while maintaining best practices for safety.
