Portable X-ray machines are becoming increasingly important in providing medical care to remote patients. These machines are particularly beneficial for acutely unwell patients and for infection control, as they eliminate the need for patients to be transported to hospitals. The global portable X-ray market is expected to reach $14 billion by 2028, with the coronavirus pandemic driving the increase in usage. There are two types of portable X-ray machines: mobile machines on wheels and ultraportable devices that can be carried by a single person.

One example of the impact of portable X-ray machines is the trial conducted in the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Prior to the trial, a significant number of patients did not attend their X-ray appointments due to the costs and time required to reach distant hospitals. However, with the use of a handheld device, the non-attendance rate was reduced to zero. Portable X-ray systems are also transforming tuberculosis (TB) screening in developing countries, where access to X-rays has historically been limited. These machines, often equipped with artificial intelligence software, allow for successful detection of TB in the field.

While there are concerns about radiation exposure from portable X-ray machines, manufacturers argue that the lack of shielding is compensated for by the greater space in which they are used. The image quality of portable X-ray machines has also improved and is now comparable to that of fixed units. However, there are limitations to how small the components of an X-ray system can be, as extra images may need to be taken if the detector is too small to capture a body part in a single exposure. Additionally, the high cost of portable X-ray machines remains an issue, although it is hoped that increased competition will drive down prices in the future.

In conclusion, portable X-ray machines are playing a crucial role in providing medical care to remote patients. Their usage is growing rapidly, driven by the need for accessible healthcare in remote locations and the advancements in technology. While there are challenges to overcome, such as radiation exposure and cost, the potential benefits of portable X-ray machines in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens are significant.

Original news source: How portable X-ray machines are helping remote patients (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Each group should read the article and then work together to create a brief summary of the main points. They should focus on capturing the key information and presenting it in a concise and clear manner. After a designated time, ask each group to share their summaries with the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Have the class form two opposing groups. One group will argue in favor of the increased usage of portable X-ray machines, while the other group will argue against it. Give each group time to gather their thoughts and then have a debate where each side presents their arguments. After the debate, conduct an opinion poll in the class to see which side was more persuasive and why.

– Keyword Taboo
Instructions: Write down a list of key words from the article on index cards or pieces of paper. Divide the class into two teams. One member from each team will come to the front of the class and pick a card without looking at it. They must then try to describe the word to their team without using the word itself or any variations of it. The team must guess the word within a certain time limit. The team with the most correct guesses wins.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Each group should discuss and make a list of the pros and cons of using portable X-ray machines in remote healthcare settings. After a designated time, ask each group to share their lists with the class and facilitate a class discussion to explore the different perspectives and considerations.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Have the class work individually or in pairs to brainstorm and write down their predictions for the future of portable X-ray machines. They should consider advancements in technology, potential challenges, and the impact on healthcare. After a designated time, ask volunteers to share their predictions with the class and facilitate a discussion on the possibilities and implications.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What are the two types of portable X-ray machines mentioned in the article?
2. How are portable X-ray machines beneficial for acutely unwell patients and infection control?
3. What is the projected market value of the global portable X-ray market by 2028?
4. How did the use of a handheld portable X-ray device impact the non-attendance rate for X-ray appointments in the Orkney Islands trial?
5. How are portable X-ray machines transforming tuberculosis screening in developing countries?
6. What argument do manufacturers of portable X-ray machines make regarding radiation exposure?
7. How has the image quality of portable X-ray machines improved over time?
8. What challenges still need to be addressed in relation to portable X-ray machines, according to the article?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Portable X-ray machines are becoming increasingly (1)______ in providing medical care to remote patients. These machines are particularly beneficial for acutely unwell patients and for infection control, as they eliminate the need for patients to be transported to (2)______. The global portable X-ray market is expected to reach $14 billion by 2028, with the coronavirus pandemic driving the increase in usage. There are two (3)______ of portable X-ray machines: mobile machines on wheels and ultraportable (4)______ that can be carried by a single person.

One example of the impact of portable X-ray machines is the trial conducted in the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Prior to the trial, a significant number of patients did not (5)______ their X-ray appointments due to the costs and time required to reach distant hospitals. However, with the use of a handheld device, the non-attendance rate was reduced to zero. Portable X-ray systems are also transforming (6)______ (TB) screening in (7)______ countries, where access to X-rays has historically been limited. These machines, often (8)______ with artificial intelligence software, allow for successful detection of TB in the (9)______.

While there are (10)______ about radiation exposure from portable X-ray machines, manufacturers argue that the lack of shielding is compensated for by the greater (11)______ in which they are used. The image quality of portable X-ray machines has also improved and is now comparable to that of fixed units. However, there are limitations to how small the components of an X-ray system can be, as extra (12)______ may need to be taken if the detector is too small to capture a body part in a single exposure. Additionally, the high cost of portable X-ray (13)______ remains an issue, although it is hoped that increased competition will drive down prices in the future.

In conclusion, portable X-ray machines are playing a (14)______ role in providing medical care to remote patients. Their usage is growing rapidly, driven by the need for accessible healthcare in remote locations and the advancements in (15)______. While there are challenges to overcome, such as radiation exposure and cost, the potential benefits of portable X-ray machines in improving patient outcomes and (16)______ healthcare burdens are significant.
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💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is a portable X-ray machine and how does it work?
2. How would you feel if you were a patient in a remote location and had to travel long distances for an X-ray? Why?
3. Do you think portable X-ray machines are a good solution for providing medical care in remote areas? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever had an X-ray? How was your experience?
5. What do you think are the advantages of using portable X-ray machines for infection control?
6. How do you think portable X-ray machines can be beneficial for acutely unwell patients?
7. Do you think the use of portable X-ray machines will continue to increase after the pandemic? Why or why not?
8. How do you think portable X-ray machines equipped with artificial intelligence software can improve tuberculosis screening in developing countries?
9. What are your thoughts on the concerns about radiation exposure from portable X-ray machines? Do you think the benefits outweigh the risks? Why or why not?
10. How do you think the advancements in technology have contributed to the growth of portable X-ray machines?
11. Do you think the cost of portable X-ray machines will decrease in the future? Why or why not?
12. How do you think portable X-ray machines can improve patient outcomes?
13. What other medical technologies do you think could benefit remote patients?
14. Do you think portable X-ray machines will eventually replace fixed units in hospitals? Why or why not?
15. How do you think the usage of portable X-ray machines will impact healthcare systems in remote locations?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. acutely
2. infection
3. ultraportable
4. non-attendance
5. handheld
6. tuberculosis
7. detection
8. exposure
9. shielding
10. comparable
11. limitations
12. detector
13. exposure
14. competition
15. burdens

Meanings:
(A) Able to be held and operated with one hand
(B) A device or apparatus used to sense and record information
(C) The act of being subjected to some effect or influence
(D) The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, which may cause disease
(E) The state of being subject to some effect or influence
(F) A serious infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs
(G) Restrictions or constraints that limit what can be done
(H) Heavy loads or stresses that cause strain or difficulty
(I) The act of finding or discovering something, especially something that was not easily noticeable
(J) The act of not showing up or being present
(K) Having qualities or features that are similar enough to be compared
(L) Extremely or severely
(M) Protective material or measures used to guard against harm or danger
(N) Rivalry among sellers trying to achieve goals such as increasing sales, market share, and customer base
(O) Extremely lightweight and easy to carry
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is one benefit of portable X-ray machines?
(a) They are cheaper than traditional X-ray machines.
(b) They are only used for non-urgent cases.
(c) They eliminate the need for patients to be transported to hospitals.
(d) They are only used in developed countries.

2. What is the expected value of the global portable X-ray market by 2028?
(a) $1 million
(b) $100 billion
(c) $10 million
(d) $14 billion

3. What are the two types of portable X-ray machines mentioned in the article?
(a) Fixed units and handheld devices
(b) Mobile machines and stationary devices
(c) Mobile machines on wheels and ultraportable devices
(d) Ultraportable devices and fixed units

4. How did the trial in the Orkney Islands in Scotland impact non-attendance rates for X-ray appointments?
(a) The non-attendance rate was reduced to zero.
(b) The non-attendance rate increased.
(c) The non-attendance rate remained the same.
(d) The non-attendance rate decreased slightly.

5. How are portable X-ray machines transforming tuberculosis (TB) screening in developing countries?
(a) They are cheaper than traditional X-ray machines.
(b) They are only used in developed countries.
(c) They have limited impact on TB screening.
(d) They allow for successful detection of TB in the field.

6. What is one concern about portable X-ray machines?
(a) Radiation exposure
(b) Lack of image quality
(c) Limited availability in remote locations
(d) High cost

7. How has the image quality of portable X-ray machines improved?
(a) It is worse than that of fixed units.
(b) It is now comparable to that of fixed units.
(c) It is the same as that of fixed units.
(d) It is not mentioned in the article.

8. What is one potential challenge to the widespread use of portable X-ray machines?
(a) Lack of technological advancements
(b) High cost
(c) Limited demand for remote healthcare
(d) Low radiation exposure

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Portable X-ray machines are becoming increasingly important in providing medical care to remote patients.
2. The global portable X-ray market is not expected to reach $14 billion by 2028.
3. There are two types of portable X-ray machines: mobile machines on wheels and ultraportable devices that can be carried by a single person.
4. The image quality of portable X-ray machines has not improved and is still inferior to that of fixed units.
5. These machines are particularly beneficial for acutely unwell patients and for infection control.
6. The coronavirus pandemic is not driving the increase in usage of portable X-ray machines.
7. Portable X-ray machines are not transforming tuberculosis (TB) screening in developing countries.
8. Portable X-ray systems have reduced the non-attendance rate for X-ray appointments in the Orkney Islands to zero.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. How are portable X-ray machines beneficial for providing medical care to remote patients?
2. What is one example of the impact of portable X-ray machines in improving patient attendance for X-ray appointments?
3. How are portable X-ray machines transforming tuberculosis (TB) screening in developing countries?
4. What are some concerns about radiation exposure from portable X-ray machines, and how do manufacturers address these concerns?
5. What are the potential benefits of portable X-ray machines in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What are the two types of portable X-ray machines mentioned in the article?
– The two types of portable X-ray machines mentioned in the article are mobile machines on wheels and ultraportable devices that can be carried by a single person.

2. How are portable X-ray machines beneficial for acutely unwell patients and infection control?
– Portable X-ray machines eliminate the need for acutely unwell patients to be transported to hospitals, allowing for immediate medical care. They also contribute to infection control by reducing the risk of spreading infections in hospitals.

3. What is the projected market value of the global portable X-ray market by 2028?
– The projected market value of the global portable X-ray market by 2028 is $14 billion.

4. How did the use of a handheld portable X-ray device impact the non-attendance rate for X-ray appointments in the Orkney Islands trial?
– The use of a handheld portable X-ray device reduced the non-attendance rate for X-ray appointments to zero in the Orkney Islands trial.

5. How are portable X-ray machines transforming tuberculosis screening in developing countries?
– Portable X-ray machines equipped with artificial intelligence software are enabling successful detection of tuberculosis in the field, improving screening efforts in developing countries where access to X-rays has historically been limited.

6. What argument do manufacturers of portable X-ray machines make regarding radiation exposure?
– Manufacturers argue that the lack of shielding in portable X-ray machines is compensated for by the greater space in which they are used.

7. How has the image quality of portable X-ray machines improved over time?
– The image quality of portable X-ray machines has improved and is now comparable to that of fixed units.

8. What challenges still need to be addressed in relation to portable X-ray machines, according to the article?
– The high cost of portable X-ray machines remains an issue, although increased competition is expected to drive down prices in the future. Additionally, there are limitations to how small the components of an X-ray system can be, as extra images may need to be taken if the detector is too small to capture a body part in a single exposure.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) important
(2) hospitals
(3) types
(4) devices
(5) attend
(6) tuberculosis
(7) developing
(8) equipped
(9) field
(10) concerns
(11) space
(12) images
(13) machines
(14) crucial
(15) technology
(16) reducing
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. acutely
Answer: (L) Extremely or severely

2. infection
Answer: (D) The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, which may cause disease

3. ultraportable
Answer: (O) Extremely lightweight and easy to carry

4. non-attendance
Answer: (J) The act of not showing up or being present

5. handheld
Answer: (A) Able to be held and operated with one hand

6. tuberculosis
Answer: (F) A serious infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs

7. detection
Answer: (I) The act of finding or discovering something, especially something that was not easily noticeable

8. exposure
Answer: (E) The state of being subject to some effect or influence

9. shielding
Answer: (M) Protective material or measures used to guard against harm or danger

10. comparable
Answer: (K) Having qualities or features that are similar enough to be compared

11. limitations
Answer: (G) Restrictions or constraints that limit what can be done

12. detector
Answer: (B) A device or apparatus used to sense and record information

13. exposure
Answer: (C) The act of being subjected to some effect or influence

14. competition
Answer: (N) Rivalry among sellers trying to achieve goals such as increasing sales, market share, and customer base

15. burdens
Answer: (H) Heavy loads or stresses that cause strain or difficulty
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is one benefit of portable X-ray machines?
Answer: (c) They eliminate the need for patients to be transported to hospitals.

2. What is the expected value of the global portable X-ray market by 2028?
Answer: (d) $14 billion

3. What are the two types of portable X-ray machines mentioned in the article?
Answer: (c) Mobile machines on wheels and ultraportable devices

4. How did the trial in the Orkney Islands in Scotland impact non-attendance rates for X-ray appointments?
Answer: (a) The non-attendance rate was reduced to zero.

5. How are portable X-ray machines transforming tuberculosis (TB) screening in developing countries?
Answer: (d) They allow for successful detection of TB in the field.

6. What is one concern about portable X-ray machines?
Answer: (a) Radiation exposure

7. How has the image quality of portable X-ray machines improved?
Answer: (b) It is now comparable to that of fixed units.

8. What is one potential challenge to the widespread use of portable X-ray machines?
Answer: (b) High cost
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Portable X-ray machines are becoming increasingly important in providing medical care to remote patients. (Answer: True)
2. The global portable X-ray market is not expected to reach $14 billion by 2028. (Answer: False)
3. There are two types of portable X-ray machines: mobile machines on wheels and ultraportable devices that can be carried by a single person. (Answer: True)
4. The image quality of portable X-ray machines has not improved and is still inferior to that of fixed units. (Answer: False)
5. These machines are particularly beneficial for acutely unwell patients and for infection control. (Answer: True)
6. The coronavirus pandemic is not driving the increase in usage of portable X-ray machines. (Answer: False)
7. Portable X-ray machines are not transforming tuberculosis (TB) screening in developing countries. (Answer: False)
8. Portable X-ray systems have reduced the non-attendance rate for X-ray appointments in the Orkney Islands to zero. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧