Assessment of Knowledge of Doctors Regarding Radiation Doses and Hazards in Common Radiological Examinations

Abstract

Background: Ionizing radiation is extensively employed in diverse diagnostic procedures, playing a pivotal role in diagnosing various diseases. The escalating use of such investigations underscores the importance of judicious and careful application to mitigate associated risks and hazards. This study aims to assess doctors' knowledge regarding radiation hazards and doses in commonly used diagnostic procedures.

Methods: Between July 1 and July 31, 2019, a questionnaire comprising 20 questions was distributed among doctors across various departments in a tertiary care hospital. The questionnaire, divided into three sections, covered topics such as radiological procedures employing ionizing radiation, equivalent dose units, estimation of radiation doses for common procedures, and awareness of risks linked to radiation exposure.

Results: A total of 200 questionnaires were returned, representing diverse specialties. Responses from radiology (11), surgery (53), orthopedics (2), medicine (84), eye (6), ENT (4), pediatrics (9), and gynecology/obstetrics (31) were included. The assessment of doctors' knowledge in each section revealed suboptimal scores, with average correct responses of 64.1%, 21.8%, and 64.5% for the three sections, respectively. Notably, 21.3% of doctors underestimated doses, and 28% had no idea about estimated doses. Additionally, 49% and 12% of participants incorrectly categorized Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography as procedures involving ionizing radiation.

Conclusion: This study exposes significant knowledge gaps among doctors regarding radiation doses and hazards. The findings underscore an urgent necessity for implementing institutional educational programs on radiation protection at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.