The Importance of Public Health in Radiology and Radiation Protection

Abstract

The ionizing radiation belongs to the basic physical factors that can be measured. We forget often about its risks and the possible damage to our health. The imaging methods which use the ionizing radiation increase the diagnostics quality and they have become a certainty for many medical workers. Therefore, they are being used without rational thinking many times. With this is related to increasing the cumulative dose of patients. Next problem can be radiation safety knowledge of medical workers. The enormous increase in the use of sources ionizing radiation in medicine and rapid development, there may be a disproportionate acquisition of radiation safety knowledge of healthcare workers. At the same time, constant attention must be paid to the biological effects of radiation and realize epidemiology studies. In all the areas mentioned the public health has space. However, it is sad that presently, the radiation safety is not considered important enough in Public Health. Based on many sources, it is safe to say that this is a major problem, because the public health itself can play an important role in radiation safety. It is important to point out, that safety and effectivity of using the source of ionizing radiation is one of the main components of Good Medical Practice.

Cross-sectional survey of health literacy among health science students in Singapore

“…Medical radiation technologists have a vital role in educating patients about medical imaging examinations and assisting them in adequately preparing for these procedures. 46 Consequently, the findings of this study serve to bolster efforts aimed at improving the health literacy of diagnostic radiography students now that such a gap has been identified.…”

Evaluating the attitudes of radiologic technology students and graduates toward their study major and career prospects: A cross‐sectional study

“…8 These issues illustrate the significant role of well‐educated expert radiologic technologists in preparing suitable radiographic images and radiation protection of patients exposed to ionizing radiation which is crucial for the public health of society. 9 It should be mentioned that the radiology technology major in Iran is a 4‐year university major that is just provided by public universities related to the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education. During the education, radiologic technology students will pass several theoretical and practical courses about physics, radiation physics, radiation protection, radiation dosimetry, different imaging physics and techniques, and radiobiology, in addition to a 1‐year internship at different imaging departments of university educational hospitals.…”

Radiographers’ perceptions on the quality of managing general radiographic paediatric examinations through the use of a reflective tool

“…In order to accomplish this, it is crucial to identify the barriers and factors that impact the quality of care delivered within healthcare services [2,3]. There is an ongoing plea to enhance the quality of medical imaging services that have expanded in resources as a result of the development and availability of technology, resulting in an increased use of ionising radiationbased examinations [2,4,5]. A quality management system should be adopted within medical imaging departments to improve task efficiency and safety, providing quality services whilst maximising effective care and patient satisfaction whilst maintaining appropriate radiation doses [6,7].…”

“…There is a plethora of literature offering in-depth knowledge regarding safety culture, which entails areas such as radiation safety, effective communication and adopting a paediatric-centred approach. Such research entails aspects of the importance of radiation protection and dose to paediatric patients, as well as delivering paediatric specific care and communication to provide better healthcare outcomes for children [5,10,18,19]. This literature also delves into…”