Abstract
BackgroundReports indicated that numerous factors, including inadequate personnel knowledge, contributes to insufficient patient data for setting up diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in developing countries. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge of DRLs as an optimisation tool amongst computed tomography (CT) radiographers in northern Nigeria. This is a quantitative cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was devised and distributed on site to sixty-two CT radiographers in northern Nigeria. A total of fifteen questions were included in the questionnaire focusing on DRLs, dose optimisation and dose descriptors generating quantitative data concerning overall CT radiographers’ perceived knowledge and awareness about DRLs.ResultsA response rate of 77.4% (48/62) was achieved. About 83.3% of the participants declare DRLs awareness, and 37.5% carried out a local dose survey. The percentage correctly perceived knowledge of concepts; DRLs was 45.8%, dose optimisation (42%) and CT dose descriptor (39%). Radiographers with work experience ranging from 4-10 years had the highest score.ConclusionIn this survey, deficiencies were noted in radiographers’ knowledge about DRLs with precise knowledge gap in the implementation of local dose survey for DRLs and optimisation. There is a need for continuous radiographers’ training with greater emphasis on dose optimisation and institutional based dose evaluation.
Highlights
Reports indicated that numerous factors, including inadequate personnel knowledge, contributes to insufficient patient data for setting up diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in developing countries
DRLs are optimisation tools, and if the median value derived from a survey of doses are above the DRLs for the examination, the facility should review its imaging protocol and determine if acceptable image quality can be achieved at lower doses [9–11]
General Electric (GE) computed tomography (CT) brand account for 90% whilst Siemens Electronic constitute the remaining 10% percent of the scanner brands in the sampled study population
Summary
Reports indicated that numerous factors, including inadequate personnel knowledge, contributes to insufficient patient data for setting up diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in developing countries. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge of DRLs as an optimisation tool amongst computed tomography (CT) radiographers in northern Nigeria. Computed tomography (CT) examinations represent about half of the total radiation load for diagnostic purposes at the moment [1, 2]. This increase in current CT imaging practice holds fast to the new criteria in radiation protection of patients and the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle [7, 8]. Dose optimisation aims to establish a balance between image quality and patient dose in X-ray imaging, in addition to available support from the medical physicist and radiologist, this requires the knowledge and skill of the radiographer to know what action will reduce the dose levels
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
