Original Jpn J Radiol Technol 1999 ;
Evaluation of Barium Meals for Mass-screening and Choice Criteria
Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process

KATSUHIKO OGASAWARA, HIDEKI TAKAHASHI1), MASASHI HIRAKAWA2) and MASAMICHI SAITOH2)
Department of Medical Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University
1)Department of Information and Optoelectronic Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University
2)Sumitomo Life Sapporo Multiple Health Testing & Service Center
Received Dec. 12, 1997; Revision accepted Feb. 2, 1999; Code No. 270
Summary
High-density preparations of barium meal have recently become widely used in mass-screening. It is often difficult for radiological technologists to clarify the choice criteria of barium meals because of the many complicated factors involved, for example, volume, density, liquidity, adhesiveness, chemical stability, and qualitative stability. When objective decisions and evaluations are required in vague or complicated situations, the analytic hierarchy process(AHP) is often applied. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate high-density barium meals and their choice criteria using AHP. This model of analysis consisted of four parts: the goal, the factors involved in barium choice, and the characteristics and preparations of barium meals. Three radiological technologists created an evaluation matrix that was based on clinical experience. From the results, we concluded the following. (1)In choosing the barium meal, the radiological technologists regarded cost and ease of examination as important. (2) The ease with which the patient could consume the barium meal was related to its volume, density, and liquidity. (3)From the viewpoint of taking radiographic examinations, the radiological technologists felt that the adhesiveness and chemical stability of the barium meal were important characteristics.
Key words: Barium meal, Mass-screening, Subjective evaluation, Analytic hierarchy process (AHP)