Knowledge of radiation legislation and radiation exposure in common radiological investigations among final year medical students, foundation doctors, specialist radiology registrars and radiographers at a UK university teaching hospital

Comparison of the effectiveness of radiation protection principles training through multimedia and instructional booklet on the awareness of operating room staff

BACKGROUND

Training and awareness regarding radiation protection is crucial for medical staff and operating room personnel to prevent potential hazards from radiation exposure. Various methods are employed to increase the awareness of operating room staff regarding radiation protection principles. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two training methods, multimedia presentations and instructional booklets, in enhancing the awareness of operating room staff toward radiation protection principles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this semi-experimental study, 60 anesthesia and operating room technologists, were purposefully selected and randomly (utilizing an engineering calculator) divided into two intervention groups and one control group. The first group received multimedia-based training, while the second group was provided training through an instructional booklet. Data was collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire before the intervention and again 30 days afterward. Subsequently, the data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, employing analysis of covariance) ANCOVA (and the Bonferroni post hoc test to compare the outcomes among the three groups.

RESULTS

No significant difference in mean awareness scores was observed among the three groups before the intervention) P = 0.075(. After the intervention, both multimedia and instructional booklet-based education showed significant improvement in awareness scores compared to the control group) P < 0.001(. Furthermore, the differences between the mean awareness scores of the multimedia-based group and the instructional booklet-based group, as well as the multimedia-based group and the control group, were 26.25 and 40.95, respectively, both statistically significant (P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

The current research findings indicate the effectiveness of both educational methods. However, the multimedia-based education method proved to be more effective in increasing the awareness levels of the study participants compared to the other two groups which is important to increase compliance with standards and implement hospital accreditation criteria to ensure the safety of operating rooms personnel against radiation. Therefore, based on this study's results, this educational approach is recommended for teaching topics related to radiation protection principles.

Knowledge and perceptions of ionising radiation among Croatian general practitioners: is there cause for concern?

Recent data suggest that general practitioners (GPs) are insufficiently familiar with health risks associated with ionising radiation and radiation doses. The aim of our cross-sectional study was therefore to see if this holds true for Croatian GPs. To do that, we distributed a questionnaire about ionising radiation and doses used in various radiological procedures by email or by handing it out to participants at a national GP conference. We received responses from 120 participating GPs. Most were women (83.1 %), and the mean participant age was 44.2 years (range 26-65) with mean practice of 17.1 years (range 1-40). Most participants (97 %) believed patients should be informed about the procedures they were referred to. All respondents knew that radiological procedures irradiate the patient's body, but not everyone agreed that they could be harmful. Less than half (47 %) thought that exposure to a single irradiation dose was enough to increase cancer risk. Most participants (89.2 %) identified X-ray scans as the largest irradiation source, whereas three GPs replied that computed tomography (CT) and conventional X-ray procedures did not involve radiation. Some respondents did not know if ultrasound involved ionising radiation. Although most GPs were women, only 21.7 % correctly identified the radiation dose in mammography. Our findings confirm inadequate GPs' knowledge of radiation exposures and call for better training programmes as part of continuing professional development.

Awareness of radiation risks by medical students & referrers requesting radiological examinations in the North of Scotland: an audit

INTRODUCTION

Radiological imaging has played an important role in diagnostic medicine for over a century, though it is known to contribute to dermatological conditions, cataracts, and cancer. The associated risk of harm has led to the introduction of protective regulations around the world. Present-day NHS clinicians are increasingly requesting and relying on diagnostic imaging. Knowledge surrounding the radiation doses of common radiological investigations and the associated risks is imperative, and on a global level has been found to be inadequate. Consequently, there is a need for the formal inclusion of teaching within training programmes.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

This prospective audit aims to establish the knowledge of radiation doses and risks of common radiological investigations of both medical students and referrers within four NHS Health Boards based in the North of Scotland. It also seeks to establish prior teaching and the preference for further educational interventions.

AUDIT STANDARD

Referrers should have adequate knowledge of radiation doses and the risks associated with common radiological investigations.

AUDIT TARGET

The standard should be achieved by 90% of referrers.

METHODS

A 19-question online survey was devised to include subjective and objective questions on ionising radiation awareness, education preference, and respondent demographics, based on RCR (Royal College of Radiologists) audit criteria and previous studies. Data collection was conducted between the 22/02/23 to the 22/03/2023 and the questionnaire was distributed to senior medical students and radiological referrers of different grades within NHS Grampian, NHS Highland, NHS Shetland, and NHS Orkney. A descriptive analysis of the data was undertaken using Microsoft Excel Version 16.71.

RESULTS

Two hundred eight questionnaires were completed. 22.11% (n = 46) of the sample population had received no prior teaching on the topic of ionising radiation. Over half of the respondents (51.92%, n = 108) rated the importance of radiation risks as either important or extremely important, with 69.71% (n = 145) of participants rating their perceived knowledge as limited or average. Most correctly identified that a CT scan (n = 203), PET-CT scan (n = 199) and a chest x-ray (n = 196) exposed patients to ionising radiation. A small proportion of the participants incorrectly thought that an MRI scan (n = 21) and an ultrasound scan (n = 2) involved ionising radiation. The results obtained failed to meet the RCR audit target, which states that 90% of doctors should be aware of common radiological doses. It was observed that only 17.79% (n = 37) of survey respondents scored over 50% in the knowledge assessment, with the median knowledge score of the whole cohort being 2.5 out of 9 (27.78%). Respondents who had prior teaching on the topic performed better those who had no prior teaching, with average scores of 3.19 (35.44%) and 2.04 (22.67%) respectively. Senior clinicians performed better when compared to junior clinicians and medical students.

CONCLUSION & FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS

This audit found that the knowledge of radiation risks within the North of Scotland in the selected sample population was insufficient across all levels of the clinical team. Further, continuous education around the topic and future audit opportunities may help to optimise knowledge and training.

Awareness of Radiation Hazards and Knowledge About Radiation Protection Among Medical Students at the Northern Border University, Arar

Studies have shown that medical students and doctors are not well equipped with knowledge of radiation hazards and their protection. This lack of knowledge may cause harm to patients and healthcare professionals. Objectives To compare the awareness of radiation hazards and knowledge about radiation protection among medical students at Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia, with and without prior teaching. Methods and materials This cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students from clinical years at Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia, from May 1st, 2023, to June 30th, 2023. Their consents were taken. Then they were randomly sorted into two groups. One group was given a radiation safety short course, and then they answered a questionnaire. The other group filled out the questionnaire without prior instruction, and analysis was done. The outcome of this study was quantified based on the score calculated after participants filled out the questionnaire. Results The mean score of students who didn't attend the radiology course was 3.38±1.8, while the score of students who attended the radiology course was 7.87±1.4 (p<0.001). Radiology course attendance showed a significant association with knowledge and awareness scores. Conclusions The average knowledge of medical students regarding radiation protection and hazards is quite poor. This lack of understanding could potentially lead to increased risks for both patients and healthcare professionals. The knowledge about radiation hazards and protection is increased in students who attended a short radiology course. We recommend implementing comprehensive educational programs that focus on radiation hazards and protection for medical students.