Congress:
EuroSafe Imaging 2019
Keywords:
Action 4 - Dose management systems, Action 10 - EuroSafe Imaging Stars, Action 13 - Stakeholder engagement and collaboration, Radioprotection / Radiation dose, Radiographers, Professional issues, CT, Diagnostic procedure, Quality assurance
Authors:
V. Herédia, K. Katsari, A. M. Diniz, C. S. Semedo, J. Gama, C. Casemiro, M. Ramalho, S. Galo
DOI:
10.26044/esi2019/ESI-0116
Background/introduction
Modern medical imaging requires a benefit to risk balance between the diagnostic capabilities of Computerized Tomography (CT) and the ionizing radiation potential risks associated with it.
Due to its advantages of ease of access,
speed and consistency of results,
CT use has been increasing,
and as such,
also radiation exposure (1,2).
With the objective of patient safety and an adequate benefit to risk assessment,
an approach based on Justification,
Standardization and Optimization of examinations is to be implemented (1) and has been promoted by radiology societies,
namely through programs such as EuroSafe imaging.
Furthermore,
a more systemic approach to radiation exposure monitoring has been developed with the use of automated solutions (radiation Tracking Software) that register,
monitor and evaluate big data related to radiation exposure (2,3).
This is critical for the reduction of radiation dose,
wherever required,
through the standardization of practice and optimization of protocols (1-3).
These systems also allow the tracking of patient cumulative radiation dose and alerts for high dose levels of radiation through the setting of thresholds (2,3).
The organization and coordination of activities to implement such a dose management program and the routine use of an automated software,
require considerable resources and are dependent on the collaboration between health professionals,
with radiographers being the main users of the systems in their daily practice.
It is therefore important to understand the perception of radiographers on dose management programs,
specifically on perceived impact of the automated dose management software on daily workflow and potential advantages of its use.