Evaluation of Adherence to Radiation Protection Measures among C-arm Fluoroscopy Users in the Operating Room

Abstract

Occupational exposure to IR may have detrimental health effects. Longer and more complicated fluoroscopic procedures have placed interventionalists at elevated occupational health hazards. Measures of radiation protection are necessary for all healthcare workers who work in the interventional fluoroscopy room. The purpose of this study was to assess adherence to radiation protection measures among C-arm fluoroscopy users in the operating room. A questionnaire was developed to conduct a cross-sectional study. The questionnaire comprised multiple sections, each evaluating knowledge of radiation protection, use of personal protective equipment, procedures for reducing radiation exposure, and monitoring of personal radiation dose, respectively. The participants included physicians and radiographers who use C-arm fluoroscopy in the operating room. The results of the current study showed several important observations about knowledge and adherence of C-arm users to radiation protection measures. The results showed that there was a significant deficiency in some key aspects of radiation protection, both at the level of knowledge and at the level of actual practice. In conclusion, there was a significant deficiency among the majority of participants in regularly use of some key aspects of radiation protection, particularly at the level of actual practice of PPE, pulsed fluoroscopy, and personal dosimetry. Implementation of radiation safety training programs is thus recommended.