Investigation of radiation protection and safety measures in Rwandan public hospitals: Readiness for the implementation of the new regulations

Abstract

Background: An essential concept that all radiographers are required to implement is the use of techniques and the provision of protective devices to minimize radiation to patients and staff. Methods to achieve this could include good communication, immobilization, beam limitation, justification for radiation exposure, shielding, appropriate distances and optimum radiographic exposures factors.Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the availability and utilization of radiation protection and safety measures by medical imaging technologists (MITs) in Rwandan hospitals.Methods: A quantitative, non-experimental descriptive design was used and data collected by means of a self-designed questionnaire. One hundred and sixteen MITs (n ¼ 116) representing 96.67% of the total population participated in the study. Results:The study found radiation safety measures were not adequately implemented in government hospitals. Only 58.62% of MITs had radiation-measuring devices, with 29% receiving dose readings inconsistently. Lead rubber aprons were available at 99.13% of the hospitals; however, 59% of the participants had never checked the integrity of the aprons. Lead rubber aprons and lead equivalent barriers were most prevalent in the facilities.Contributors: First author contributed to the conception of the work, the acquisition, analysis of the data and drafting of the paper. Second and third authors were involved in formulation and commenting on the paper and have approved the final version. Funding: This study did not receive any funding.

Using the theory of planned behaviour to determine radiation protection among South African diagnostic radiographers: a cross‐sectional survey

“…A similar finding was noted in an Australian study showing medical dominance as a hindrance to radiation protection 37 . Rwandan radiographers report that some clinicians do not value their input and have a ‘do as I say’ attitude 38 …”

“… 37 Rwandan radiographers report that some clinicians do not value their input and have a ‘do as I say’ attitude. 38 …”

Identification of research priorities of radiography science: A modified Delphi study in Europe

“…Constantly changing technology keeps radiation safety always topical. Even though radiation in health care is highly regulated, at least in the European Union (2013), there is indication that obsolete practices still exist (Maina et al, 2020;Ciraj-Bjelac et al, 2011) and there are gaps in the knowledge of radiation protection measures (Faggioni et al, 2017).The eighth topic rated high, image interpretation, relates to a larger discussion on role extension and transfer of responsibilities from radiologists to radiographers. In the United Kingdom the role extension is well established (Hardy & Snaith, 2009) research but lack the skills and confidence (Saukko et al, 2021;Dennett et al, 2021).…”

Implementasi Pemahaman Radiografer terhadap Exposure Index dalam Optimasi Prosedur Pemeriksaan Radiografi Computed Radiography

“…Hasil uji chi-square menunjukan bahwa ada hubungan antara variable tingkat pendidikan terhadap pengetahuan prosedur optimisasi menggunakan EI, Akan tetapi, untuk variable jenis kelamin, umur dan pengalaman kerja tidak terdapat hubungan tingkat pengetahuan radiografer. Hasil penelitian ini juga sesuai dengan beberapa penelitian yang melaporkan bahwa umur, jenis kelamin, dan pengalama kerja tidak berhubungan dengan tingkat pengetahuan pekerja radiasi (Macía-Suárez & Sánchez-Rodríguez, 2018;Maina et al, 2020).Sedangkan tingkat pendidikan mempunyai hubungan terhadap pengetahuan prosedur optimisasi pada pasien. Akan tetapi, dalam praktiknya masih terdapat kendala dalam penerapan kepada pasien (Jafri et al, 2022;Lewis et al, 2022) Pada hasil analisis parameter pemeriksaan radiografi menunjukan beberapa faktor yang dapat mempenaruhi EI dan dosis radiasi yang diterima pasien yaitu umur, berat badan dan faktor eksposi.…”