Learning objectives
Radioprotection Committee is applicable and effective in practice in Hospital’s Programs.
Background
This paper aims to report the creation of a Radiation Protection Committee according to Brazilian Health Ministry Regulation for the Teaching Hospitals Certification Program from 2017 to 2018 in a Teaching University Hospital (campus Sorocaba,
SP,
Brazil).
The technological advances and the ease of performing radiological examinations led to a progressive increase in the request and execution of these exams [1].
Although radiological exams can aid in diagnosis and offer comfort and security for physicians and parents,
its excessive use causes concern in the medical...
Findings and procedure details
Methods:
According to principles of Image Gently® [4,9],
Choosing Wisely® [6] protocols and ACR Appropriateness Criteria® [3],
this project applies instruments of communication for recommendation and guidelines for exams indication and information to paediatricians,
health professional support and patients.
Also one of the strategies was to share the decision with the parents about radiological tests requested to the children,
to raise awareness in order to avoid unnecessary testing and the cumulative effect of ionizing radiation [6].
Based on the principle “as low as reasonably achievable”...
Conclusion
Change culture was fundamental for the implementation of the Committee.
In this process strategies like dose radiation reduction,
audit using indicators,
multidisciplinary team training,
disseminate protocols and patient’s/caregiver’s information is essential.
The environment of the academic community is fundamental for the proliferation of the campaign applicable in any hospital in Brazil.
References
1. Brenner DJ,
Hall EJ.
Computed tomography: an increasing source of radiation exposure.
N Engl J Med.
2007;357(22):2277-84.
2. Mathews JD,
Forsythe AV,
Brady Z,
Butler MW,
Goergen SK,
Byrnes GB,
et al.
Cancer risk in 680,000 people exposed to computed tomography scans in childhood or adolescence: data linkage study of 11 million Australians.
BMJ.
2013;346:f2360.
3. American College of Radiology.
ACR Appropriateness Criteria® [Internet].
2019 [cited 2019 Jan 05].
Available from: https://www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Appropriateness-Criteria/
4. Pediatric Radiology & Imaging.
Radiation Safety: Image Gently® [Internet].
2017 [cited...