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 |
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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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