Purpose or learning objective
Ever since the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1985, the use of ionizing radiation in the field of medicine has been rapidly increasing, which is attributable to recent advancements in imaging technology, that are promising in solving a wide array of clinical problems [1, 2]. While the use of ionizing radiation has revolutionized the medical field, it is a double-edged sword since it is a potential source of health hazard [3]. Therefore, radiation awareness is a must to ensure rational use of...
Methods or background
Questionnaire
A questionnaire survey was performed to obtain a snapshot of knowledge of radiation protection among radiology professionals. The survey included demographic characteristics (age, gender, academic qualification, and work experience) and multiple-choice questions (MCQ) related to radiation protection. 17 questions were administered to each participant, 3 questions were related to general information regarding training, knowledge, and experience of medical radiation imaging. The remaining 14 multiple choice questions (MCQ) measured the level of understanding of radiation protection. The questionnaire survey was conducted at the Department of...
Results or findings
Of 35 participants, 28 were male and 7 were female, with mean age 26.09 ± 7.18 years. 37.1 % (n = 13) were students and 62.9 % (n = 22) were included in this study. The demographic information of the participants is demonstrated in Fig 2.
Out of 14 questions, the maximum and minimum scores obtained were 13 and 4 respectively. The average radiation awareness was 9.6 (68.57 %). Each participant stated that they had taken formal education (lecture or training course) related to radiation...
Conclusion
We recommend that radiation protection and safety training should be a part of mandatory training for radiology professionals, especially for diploma graduates. Ample radiation protection modules should be introduced in the curriculum of diploma level. Regular Continuing Professional Education (CPE) should be organized and implemented through collaboration between national and international organizations with the involvement of government representatives and hospital administration. Radiation protection, being a multi-sectoral field, every aspect should join hands to raise awareness about it. To sum up, radiation protection law is of...
References
Panchbhai A (2015) Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen and the discovery of X-rays: Revisited after centennial. J Indian Acad Oral Med Radiol 27:90. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-1363.167119
Laal M (2013) Innovation Process in Medical Imaging. Procedia - Soc Behav Sci 81:60–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.06.388
Al-Lamki L (2011) Radiation exposure from medical imaging: A wake-up call for Oman! Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 11(1):1–4
Ribeiro A, Husson O, Drey N, et al (2020) Ionising radiation exposure from medical imaging – A review of Patient’s (un) awareness. Radiography 26:e25–e30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2019.10.002
Adhikari K, Jha L,...
Personal information and conflict of interest
S. Maharjan:
Nothing to disclose
K. Parajuli:
Nothing to disclose
S. Sah:
Nothing to disclose
U. Poudel:
Nothing to disclose