Department of Medical Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
Health Phys. 2021 Aug 1;121(2):166-173. doi: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001427.
Effective implementation and ongoing monitoring of occupational radiation safety and protection is key for radiographers as prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation can increase the risk of long-term ill health effects. It is important that radiographers are aware of what is required of them to remain within the permitted dose limit. Topics and training on dose monitoring and occupational practice safety and practice are embedded in both undergraduate and postgraduate courses and ongoing as part of continuous professional development. However, whether these are accurately, effectively implemented and adhered too in practice needs to be monitored. This study aimed to investigate students and radiographers' awareness, observations, and understandings of their compliance to occupational radiation safety and protection and monitoring thereof in the clinical setting. A cross sectional survey design with a questionnaire consisting of closed and open-ended items were used. The data were analysed with the use of SPSS statistical software tool. The response rates for student radiographers were 62% and qualified radiographers 23.19%. Most participants indicated that they were knowledgeable on best practice methods regarding radiation protection and safety. However, regarding the importance of personal monitoring devices, the responses varied and there were some inconsistencies. The perspectives of participants on rotating through different imaging examination types revealed that of least importance was the occupational exposure. Students were focused as part of their training on acquiring the necessary skills to conduct imaging examinations. Qualified radiographers focused on upkeeping their skills when it came to their rotation between the general and specialized imaging examinations. To overcome some of these inconsistencies it is recommended that standardized practice guidelines be reviewed by both the academic institution and the clinical training sites enforcing the importance of dose monitoring and radiation safety and best practice principles.
有效的实施和持续监测职业放射安全和防护对于放射技师至关重要，因为长时间接触电离辐射会增加长期健康影响的风险。重要的是，放射技师必须意识到为了保持在允许的剂量限制内，他们需要做些什么。剂量监测以及职业实践安全和实践的主题和培训都嵌入在本科和研究生课程中，并作为持续专业发展的一部分持续进行。然而，这些课程是否准确、有效地实施和坚持在实践中需要进行监测。本研究旨在调查学生和放射技师对其在临床环境中遵守职业放射安全和防护以及进行监测的意识、观察和理解。采用了横断面调查设计，使用了包含封闭式和开放式问题的问卷。使用 SPSS 统计软件工具对数据进行了分析。学生放射技师的回复率为 62%，合格放射技师的回复率为 23.19%。大多数参与者表示，他们对辐射防护和安全方面的最佳实践方法有一定的了解。然而，关于个人监测设备的重要性，回答各不相同，存在一些不一致。参与者对不同成像检查类型轮换的看法表明，职业暴露的重要性最小。学生作为培训的一部分，重点是获得进行成像检查所需的技能。合格的放射技师则专注于在普通和专业成像检查之间轮换时保持技能的更新。为了克服这些不一致之处，建议学术机构和临床培训场所审查标准化实践指南，强调剂量监测、辐射安全和最佳实践原则的重要性。
