To study knowledge of radiation exposure doses and risks among referrers and practitioners of various grades and specialties.
A multiple –choice format questionnaire with a total of 14 questions was distributed amongst health care professionals at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital and National Hospital Sri Lanka. A total of 107 questionnaires were returned of 300 questionnaires distributed. The questionnaires tested knowledge of medical radiation exposures. The questions were drafted from Royal College of Radiologists, UK., guidelines for doctors : ‘Making the best use of the Radiology department.’
The responders were analyzed in two major groups – radiology (practitioners) and non-radiology (referrers). High number of non-responders was observed. 54 radiology related responders. 63% radiographers and 50% radiology registrars were not aware of the dose of radiation a patient receives following a routine chest radiograph. Whilst 48% radiographers and 65% radiology registrars had attended a radiation protection course. A surprising result was that only 17% of doctors (referrers) were aware of the large dose of radiation involved in CT of the abdomen. Only 18% were aware of the risk of inducing a fatal cancer from a CT scan of the abdomen.
The study demonstrates an urgent need to improve knowledge of radiation exposure amongst healthcare professionals in clinical practice. According to IR(ME)R2000 and EC Medical Exposures Directive, we do need to be aware of the dose of radiation we expose our patients to.
Chang, A,
How Familiar Are Health Care Professionals with Regard to Radiation Exposures?. Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4419105.html
