Christoph M Heyer1, Jan Hansmann, Sören A Peters, Stefan P Lemburg. 1. Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Berufgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil GmbH, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp Platz 1, Bochum, Germany. christoph.heyer@rub.de
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess paediatricians' knowledge regarding radiation exposure of chest imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: German paediatricians were surveyed using a questionnaire. Participants were asked to estimate effective dose (ED) of radiographs (CR) and computed tomography (CT). Further questions included dose-saving of paediatric CT-protocols, ALARA principle, and awareness of the link between radiation and cancer development. Length and type of occupation and amount of ordered procedures were evaluated. RESULTS: 137 paediatricians participated with 59% and 39% correctly estimating ED of an adult (0.01-0.1mSv) and newborn CR (0.01-0.1mSv), respectively. ED of an adult chest CT (1-10mSv) was underestimated by 28%, whereas ED of cardiac CT (10-100mSv) was underestimated by 54%. 35% of participants correctly estimated ED of a chest CT in an infant (10-100mSv) which was underestimated by 56%. Neither length nor type of occupation showed significant impact on dose estimations. 14% of paediatricians stated that MRI causes radiation, whereas 4% correctly estimated the potential of paediatric CT-protocols. 15% were familiar with the ALARA principle and 26% were aware of a publication concerning radiation and malignancy. CONCLUSION: Paediatricians demonstrated an increased level of awareness compared to previous surveys. However, estimation of ED of CT remained difficult. Increased information transfer and education seem pressing in the light of increasing radiological examinations.
OBJECTIVE: To assess paediatricians' knowledge regarding radiation exposure of chest imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: German paediatricians were surveyed using a questionnaire. Participants were asked to estimate effective dose (ED) of radiographs (CR) and computed tomography (CT). Further questions included dose-saving of paediatric CT-protocols, ALARA principle, and awareness of the link between radiation and cancer development. Length and type of occupation and amount of ordered procedures were evaluated. RESULTS: 137 paediatricians participated with 59% and 39% correctly estimating ED of an adult (0.01-0.1mSv) and newborn CR (0.01-0.1mSv), respectively. ED of an adult chest CT (1-10mSv) was underestimated by 28%, whereas ED of cardiac CT (10-100mSv) was underestimated by 54%. 35% of participants correctly estimated ED of a chest CT in an infant (10-100mSv) which was underestimated by 56%. Neither length nor type of occupation showed significant impact on dose estimations. 14% of paediatricians stated that MRI causes radiation, whereas 4% correctly estimated the potential of paediatric CT-protocols. 15% were familiar with the ALARA principle and 26% were aware of a publication concerning radiation and malignancy. CONCLUSION: Paediatricians demonstrated an increased level of awareness compared to previous surveys. However, estimation of ED of CT remained difficult. Increased information transfer and education seem pressing in the light of increasing radiological examinations.
Authors: Andrea Pola; Daniela Corbella; Andrea Righini; Alberto Torresin; Paola E Colombo; Luigi Vismara; Luca Trombetta; Michele Maddalo; Maria Vittoria Introini; Daniela Tinelli; Laura Strohmenger; Giovanna Garattini; Angelica Munari; Fabio Triulzi Journal: Eur Radiol Date: 2018-01-09 Impact factor: 5.315
Authors: F Paolicchi; F Miniati; L Bastiani; L Faggioni; A Ciaramella; I Creonti; C Sottocornola; C Dionisi; D Caramella Journal: Insights Imaging Date: 2015-11-23