Awareness about Risks of Ionising Radiation Exposure in Imaging Investigations: a Clinician Survey

Young, B., Thurley, P., Cranwell, J., Skelly, R., Sturrock, N., Norwood, M., Shaw, D., Lewis, S., Langley, T. and Fogarty, A. W. (2018) Awareness about Risks of Ionising Radiation Exposure in Imaging Investigations: a Clinician Survey. RCR18, 12-10 Sep 2018. (doi: 10.1016/j.crad.2018.07.148)

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Abstract

Purpose: To measure doctors’ knowledge of associated risks of exposure to computed tomography (CT) scans and other imaging procedures in a busy teaching hospital in England. Methods and materials: Doctors at the Royal Derby Hospital completed an online multiple-choice survey on their education and knowledge of the risks involved with exposure to ionising radiation. Results: Of 647 doctors contacted, 170 (26%) responded. Most respondents (65%) had received formal education on the risks of exposure to radiation. Almost all respondents identified that CT scans (98%) and chest X-rays (97%) involve ionising radiation. High proportions identified that isotope bone scans (84%) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans (81%), and very low proportions that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans (8%) and ultrasound scans (4%), involve radiation. Lifetime cancer risk associated with a chest, abdomen and pelvis CT scan for a 20-year-old female was identified as approximately one in 30 (5%), one in 300 (the optimal response) (22%), one in 3000 (46%). The proportion underestimating risk as being either one in 30,000 or negligible was 27%. Conclusion: Over a third of respondents had received no formal education on the risks of exposure to ionising radiation, and over a quarter considered that the impact on lifetime cancer risk was either very small or negligible. As this is a potentially modifiable source of ionising radiation exposure, hospital doctors should receive regular mandatory education on the long-term risks of patient exposure to CT scans. This could promote consideration of alternative diagnostic strategies that avoid exposure to ionising radiation when possible.

Item Type:Conference or Workshop Item
Additional Information:Abstract published in Clinical Radiology 73(S1):e9.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Young, Dr Ben
Authors: Young, B., Thurley, P., Cranwell, J., Skelly, R., Sturrock, N., Norwood, M., Shaw, D., Lewis, S., Langley, T., and Fogarty, A. W.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing

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