Medical Faculty, University Josip Juraj Strossmayer, Osijek, Croatia; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, University Josip Juraj Strossmayer, Osijek, Croatia.
UK Health Security Agency, Radiation, Chemical and Environment, Chilton, UK.
Phys Med. 2023 Apr;108:102565. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2023.102565. Epub 2023 Mar 28.
The paper presents the results of the activities under the IAEA Technical Cooperation programme in Europe and Central Asia, aiming to improve utilization of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in the region through identifying status, problems, and gaps in establishing and utilization of the DRLs, and suggesting potential solutions. Status was identified through a survey with two electronic questionnaires answered by the regulatory bodies for radiation protection of 26 IAEA Member States and 34 representatives of relevant professional bodies of medical physics, radiology, nuclear medicine or radiographers. Problems, good practices and potential solutions were identified as a result of the discussion during a regional workshop with 50 nominated representatives of 21 countries. Results were disseminated through open webinars. Existing gaps are related to the lack of adequate regulations in some countries, inadequate awareness of radiological professionals of DRLs as a tool for optimization, insufficient cooperation among relevant stakeholders, education, and staffing. Strengthening of the cooperation between regulatory and professional bodies could benefit the awareness and consequently the utilization of DRLs in clinical practice. The need of improved education and training of the DRL process was highlighted. Improved inspection procedures and education of inspectors would also support the process. Access to clinically qualified medical physicists was found to be critical for the DRL utilization. Suggestions were placed for continuous IAEA assistance through training, guidance and expert support.
本文介绍了国际原子能机构（IAEA）在欧洲和中亚地区技术合作计划下的活动成果，旨在通过确定该地区建立和利用诊断参考水平（DRL）的现状、问题和差距，并提出潜在的解决方案，来提高对 DRL 的利用。通过对 26 个国际原子能机构成员国的辐射防护监管机构和 34 名相关医学物理、放射学、核医学或放射技师专业机构的代表进行的两次电子问卷调查，确定了现状。通过与 21 个国家的 50 名指定代表举行的区域研讨会，讨论确定了问题、良好做法和潜在的解决方案。结果通过公开网络研讨会进行了传播。现有的差距与一些国家缺乏足够的法规、放射专业人员对 DRL 作为优化工具的认识不足、相关利益攸关方之间的合作、教育和人员配备不足有关。加强监管机构和专业机构之间的合作，可以提高对 DRL 的认识，从而促进其在临床实践中的应用。突出强调了需要改进 DRL 流程的教育和培训。改进检查程序和检查人员的教育也将支持这一进程。人们发现，获得具有临床资格的医学物理学家至关重要，这有助于 DRL 的利用。建议通过培训、指导和专家支持，继续为国际原子能机构提供援助。
