DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY ADOPTION: A REVIEW OF CHALLENGES, BENEFITS, AND FUTURE TRENDS

Abstract

Background: Digital radiography is an advancement in imaging. It substitutes older film-based systems with faster, more accurate, and more versatile technologies. It enhances the quality of the diagnosis, optimizes workflow processes, improves patient safety, and facilitates accelerated access to imaging results.

Objectives: This work aims to assess the digital radiography feature, its benefits, implementation challenges, and its ethics. It also reviews clinical and operational outcomes for healthcare organizations implementing new digital imaging technologies.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies from 2010 to 2025. Both qualitative and quantitative research were involved. We adopted thematic analysis to identify patterns of trends, benefits, challenges and ethical issues associated with digital radiography implementation in various healthcare settings.

Conclusion: Digital radiography enhances image quality, diagnostic performance, workflow efficiency, and patient safety. The use decreases the exposure to radiation, increases the speed at which reports are made available, and aids in better record keeping. The issues include high implementation costs, training the workforce, resistance to change, and data security concerns. This highlights the importance of maintaining patient privacy, informed consent, and equitable access to technology.

Ultimately, the use of digital radiography improves patient care, clinical outcomes, and practice productivity. However, they can only work if there is proper planning, appropriate training for workers, adherence to rules and internal support from the institution. Technological advances, automation and widespread implementation into diverse healthcare settings will characterize future trends.