Factors affecting radiographers' use of dose-reduction measuresShow others and affiliations
2024 (English)In: Journal of Radiological Protection, ISSN 0952-4746, E-ISSN 1361-6498, Vol. 44, no 1, article id 011506Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Sustainable development
00. Sustainable Development, 3. Good health and well-being, 10. Reduced inequalities
Abstract [en]
This study investigates radiographers' views on implementing dose-reduction measures, with a focus on verifying patient identity and pregnancy status, practising gonad shielding in men and using compression. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to radiographers working in general radiography and/or computed tomography. The questionnaire was based on factors from a framework for analysing risk and safety in clinical medicine. Ordered logistic regressions were used to analyse associations among factors and use of dose-reduction measures. In total, 466 questionnaires were distributed and 170 radiographers (36%) completed them. Clear instructions and routines, support from colleagues, knowledge and experience, a strong safety culture, managerial support and access to proper equipment influence the likelihood of using dose-reduction measures. The strongest associations were found between support from colleagues and verifying pregnancy status (OR = 5.65, P = 0.026), safety culture and use of gonad shielding (OR = 2.36, P = 0.042), and having enough time and use of compression (OR = 2.11, P = 0.003). A strong safety culture and a supportive work environment appears to be essential for the use of dose-reduction measures, and education, training and stress management can improve utilisation of dose-reduction measures.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Institute of Physics (IOP), 2024. Vol. 44, no 1, article id 011506
Keywords [en]
gonad shield, compression, radiation protection, ALARA, shielding, patient safety
National Category
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-63533DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ad1fdeISI: 001152115800001PubMedID: 38232402Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85183955573OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hj-63533DiVA, id: diva2:1837051
2024-02-122024-02-122024-02-14Bibliographically approved