A Survey of the Radiation Exposure Protection of Health Care Providers during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Korea

Abstract

Background/AimsDuring endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), all efforts should be made to be aware of radiation hazards and to reduce radiation exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of radiation protective equipment and the awareness of radiation exposure in health care providers performing ERCP in Korean hospitals.MethodsA survey with a total of 42 questions was sent to each respondent via mail or e-mail between October 2010 and March 2011. The survey targeted nurses and radiation technicians who participated in ERCP in secondary or tertiary referral centers.ResultsA total of 78 providers from 38 hospitals responded to the surveys (response rate, 52%). The preparation and actual utilization rates of protective equipment were 55.3% and 61.9% for lead shields, 100% and 98.7% for lead aprons, 47.4% and 37.8% for lead glasses, 97.4% and 94.7% for thyroid shields, and 57.7% and 68.9% for radiation dosimeters, respectively. The common reason for not wearing protective equipment was that the equipment was bothersome, according to 45.7% of the respondents.ConclusionsMore protective equipment, such as lead shields and lead glasses, should be provided to health care providers involved in ERCP. In particular, the actual utilization rate for lead glasses was very low.

Practice of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Korea: Results from a National Survey

“…12,32 In the results about ERCP training of our survey, most ERCP already performed a national survey of radiation exposure protection and has reported the results of the survey in 2013. 33 The results of this previous survey are similar to those of our survey. However, the rate of respondents who have attended lectures or read documents on the 2009 ERCP-related radiation damage prevention recommendations of the KPBA was increased in our survey compared to that in the previous survey (from 40% to 75%).…”

“…However, the rate of respondents who have attended lectures or read documents on the 2009 ERCP-related radiation damage prevention recommendations of the KPBA was increased in our survey compared to that in the previous survey (from 40% to 75%). 33 And considerable proportions of these respondents reported a changed awareness about radiation protection and an additional effort to improve the radiation protection. Therefore, a persistent nationwide promotion of the recommendations by KPBA would help to improve practice of radiation protection.…”

“… 21. during ERCP procedure 33. The ASGE recommends that all health care providers wear lead aprons and have thyroid shields in place in order to practice ERCP, that those performing ERCP close to their patients should wear lead glasses as well, and that lead shields should be set up in front of those performing ERCP 34.…”

Radiation protection effect of mobile shield barrier for the medical personnel during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a quasi-experimental prospective study

“…Moreover, only 14% wore lead glasses during the procedure and 69% never wore it and the usage rates of mobile shields or lead curtains were only 14% and 24%, respectively 7. This propensity had not improved remarkably when a similar survey was conducted again in 2013 8. It would be possible to reduce this tendency by creating shielding barriers that are easy to use and have excellent protection capabilities.…”

Evaluation of occupational exposures in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography using Monte Carlo simulation

“…Despite the existence of many radiation protection equipment and techniques, the incorrect use, or the no usage at all, is a constant concern. Some studies have shown flaws in radiation protection practices since the staff did not know the correct way to use the equipment, did not have access to all necessary equipment or consider the equipment to be bothersome (SHIN et al, 2013). A 2011 survey on the radiation protection with Korean endoscopists showed that 75% do not monitor their radiation exposure.…”