Background/introduction
In Canada,
computer tomography (CT) accounts for the majority amount of radiation received by patients from any imaging modality1,
and has increased in use by 75% over the last 10 years.2 Radiology exams,
such as CT,
can have dose-dependent adverse effects.
According to the linear no-threshold (LNT) dose response model,
post-radiation exposure cancer risk is directly proportional to dose.
Therefore,
keeping radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable (i.e.,
the ALARA principle) reduces risk.
3 However,
there is concern that workers outside the imaging departments,...
Description of activity and work performed
A 12 question survey,
with sub-questions,
asked Canadian health professionals within the radiation safety community to report on the extent to which the 10 Bonn Call for Action priorities have been implemented in their jurisdictions.
Sub-priorities under each of the 10 Bonn Call for Action priorities were rated on a six-point ordinal scale,
according to agreement with a statement (the possible responses were “fully implemented,” “partially implemented,” “not implemented but intend to implement,” “not implemented and unlikely to implement,” “not applicable,” and “no answer”).
Also,...
Conclusion and recommendations
Respondents stated a number of suggestions to strengthen support of each priority for the future (see Figure 3).
The most frequent suggestion is to increase education amongst patients,
health professionals,
and stakeholders in order to promote awareness and subsequently,
full implementation of all 10 priorities in Canada.
Overall,
almost half of the survey respondents were not aware of the Bonn Call for Action.
This is not to suggest that there are no initiatives in Canada aimed at radiation protection and safety.
On the contrary,
survey...
Personal/organisational information
1) Rameiya Paramalingam,
Masters in Global Health Candidate.
McMaster University,
Ontario.
2) Andra Morrison,
Program Development Officer,
CADTH.
3) Dr.
Sandor Demeter,
Nuclear Medicine,
Health Sciences Centre,
Winnipeg.
4) Jane Castelli,
Research Manager,
Department of Radiology.
McMaster University,
Ontario.
4) Dr.
David Koff,
Chair Department Radiology,
McMaster University,
Ontario.
References
1.Natarajan MK,
et al.
Canadian Cardiovascular Society Position Statement on Radiation Exposure from Cardiac Imaging and Interventional Procedures. Canadian Journal of Cardiology. 2013; 29(11): 1361-1368.
2.Medical Imaging in Canada,
2017. CADTH,
2018 (in production).
3.The 2007 Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection.
ICRP publication 103.Annals of the ICRP.2007; 37(2-4): 1-332.
4.Radiation Safety for X-ray Imaging Procedures Outside Imaging Departments.http://www.comp-ocpm.ca/download.php?id=1128.
5.Ramanathan S,
Ryan J.
Radiation awareness among radiology residents,
technologists,
fellows and staff: where do we stand?Insights into Imaging.2015; 6(1): 133-139.