ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS OF RADIATION EXPOSURE AND SAFETY PRACTICE AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING MEDICAL IMAGING IN HOSPITALS

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS OF RADIATION EXPOSURE AND SAFETY PRACTICE AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING MEDICAL IMAGING IN HOSPITALS

​​​​​​​Background of the study

In modern medicine, the use of X-rays in imaging modalities such as Computed Tomography (CT scans) and mammography to diagnose injury and illness is on the rise. The biological effects of ionizing radiations are of concern in this case, as evidence suggests that medical applications of radiations are harmful (Craig 2016). Patients and the community, according to neuroradiologist Mark Pfleger (http://healthyoutlook.dephealth.com, 2011), need to understand the safe use of radiation and become more active participants in their own healthcare. According to Quinn et al. (2017),  radiographers and clients are unaware of radiation doses, and there is a lack of communication between radiographers and patients about radiation and its potential effects. The use of X-rays in human medicine exposes both the patient and the radiographer. Although the radiation dose in diagnostic examinations is low, care is usually taken to avoid unnecessary exposure for members of the public and occupational workers. Ionizing radiation exposure cannot be prevented in medical imaging facilities.

 Long-term radiation exposure (years) results in stochastic effects (NCRPM, 1980). There is no safe amount of radiation exposure below which it is known that cancer or genetic damage will not develop. Doubling the radiation dose doubles the likelihood of a cancer or genetic effect occurring (Kondo, 1993). Adequate personnel training, enlightenment of non-radiation workers in the vicinity of radiation sources, monitoring and control of radiation exposures, posting warning signs, and proper disposal of radioactive materials are all necessary steps to prevent accidental exposures to any part of the body (Belyakov et al., 2017). The science and art of safeguarding humans and the environment against the detrimental effects of ionizing radiation are known as radiation protection. It is also defined as any activity aimed at reducing radiation exposure to patients and workers during x-ray exposure. More recent studies suggest that around 3.6 billion imaging investigations are performed globally each year, resulting in a 70% rise in the global collective effective dosage for medical diagnostic procedures. Recent investigations have raised concerns that recommending clinicians' understanding of radiation doses sustained during diagnostic radiological procedures is inadequate. When considering the expansion of imaging technology, such knowledge may be especially relevant. All radiology field workers require proper supervision as well as safety gear and equipment. They must also receive job-specific education and training. The level of training should be proportionate to the level of risk. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) is in charge of providing radiation safety guidance. In its ICRP Publication No. 60 (1990), the ICRP made recommendations for a radiological protection system based on the following general principles: No practice involving radiation exposures should be adopted unless it provides a sufficient benefit to the exposed individual or society, and the magnitude of individual doses, the number of people exposed, and the likelihood of incurring exposures where these are not certain to be received should be kept as low as reasonably achievable in relation to any particular source within a practice (ALARA). The European Commission has addressed the importance of radiological protection (RP) training by publishing a guideline with specific recommendations for accreditation of interventional procedure training programs. As a source of population exposure, medical use of radiation may exceed natural background. The yearly number of radiological diagnostic operations in sophisticated health-care systems approaches or surpasses one for every member of the population.

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