Abstract No. 284 - Results of european survey on radiation protection education and training and call for action for image-guided interventional societies

Abstract

Purpose Image (Fluoroscopy) guided interventions require prolonged localized fluoroscopy, multiple radiographic exposures, and repeated procedures with relatively high patient and personnel exposure. MEDRAPET (MEDical RAdiation Protection Education and Training) consortium of 6 European Professional Societies including CIRSE conducted an EU-wide study to evaluate the current status of Radiation Protection (RP) education and training for medical professionals (1). Our aim was to assess the results of questionnaires sent to: Interventional Radiology (IR), Interventional Cardiology (IC) and Vascular Surgery (VS) Societies regarding the status of education and training in RP. Materials and Methods The web-based survey was available from September 13 to October 31, 2011 for all European Union member states. We used on-line comprehensive validated questionnaire to evaluate the status of medical RP education and training. We extracted relevant data and compared these 3 specialties (IR, IC and VS) based on their basic residency training and fellowship. Results The responses of targeted professional Societies IR, IC and VS were 6/23 (26.1%), 1/1, and 2/11 (18.2%) respectively. There was no report on curricula or dedicated training from any of 3 Societies. We also looked at the main specialties like Radiology for IR’s and Cardiology for IC’s. The responses were 0/23 for Cardiologists and 23/34 (67.6%) for Radiologists Societies respectively. For IR’s basic training in RP is covered in about 65% during Radiology residency, while Cardiologists and VS have not reported such training. Conclusion All three specialties IR, IC and VS lack curricula and dedicated training in RP for fluoroscopy guided endovascular interventions. IR’s require only second level training, while IC’s and VS require both basic and dedicated second level training. Reference 1. Education and Training in Radiological Protection for Diagnostic and Interventional Procedures. International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publication 113, Ann ICRP 39(5), 2009.