Background/introduction
Inappropriate imaging confers risk to patients especially when it involves the use of ionizing radiation. Awareness for Clinical Imaging Guidelines (CIGs) and radiation protection (RP) may help improve the appropriateness of imaging. Clinical Imaging Guidelines (CIGs) have been developed and used in developed countries to reduce inappropriate imaging and their use is one of AFROSAFE.rad’s objectives. The degree of awareness and use for CIG by referrers in Sub-Saharan Africa has not yet been established
This study aimed to determine the baseline awareness level for CIGs...
Description of activity and work performed
A CIG-awareness survey using a structured questionnaire was done for 21 head CT referrers at Mengo Hospital, Uganda. The questionnaire was divided into 3 themes with a particular number of questions (General radiation protection knowledge-3, introduction to and definition of CIGs-4 questions and application ofCIGs for various clinical conditions -11 questions). Two teaching sessions on RP and CIG were then delivered to the referrers through CME and the same structured questionnaire re-administered after 6 months to check on the level of knowledge retention. Scores were...
Conclusion and recommendations
CIG and RP teaching through continuing medical education can improve knowledge among referrers and should be encouraged.
Personal/organisational information
G. Erem; Kampala/UG - nothing to disclose M. Kawooya; Kampala/UG - nothing to disclose H. N. N. D. Kisembo; Kampala/UG - nothing to disclose R. Malumba; Kampala/UG - nothing to disclose
References
Hendee, W. R., Becker, G. J., Borgstede, J. P., Bosma, J., Casarella, W. J., Erickson, B. A., Maynard, C. D., Thrall, J. H., & Wallner, P. E. (2010). Addressing overutilization in medical imaging. Radiology, 257(1), 240–245.
Jeong, W. K., Baek, J. H., Jung, S. E., Do, K. H., Yong, H. S., Kim, M.-J., Choi, M., Lee, M., Choi, S. J., & Jo, A. J. (2016). Imaging Guidelines for Enhancing Justifications for Radiologic Studies. Journal of Korean Medical Science, 31(Suppl 1), S38–S44.
Linet, M. S., Slovis,...