Assessment of Radiation Knowledge and Awareness Among Radiology Staff in Tertiary Hospitals: A Study in Wuxi, China

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of radiation dose and associated risks in common diagnostic radiological examinations among radiology staff in comprehensive tertiary hospitals in Wuxi, China. An online questionnaire survey was conducted among radiology staff from seven general tertiary hospitals. The results were compared among different groups, including radiologists, technicians, and nurses. A total of 216 completed questionnaires were collected, with an average accuracy rate of 28.6%. Only 6% of the participants answered more than 50% of the questions correctly. Knowledge regarding the radiation dose for a single-view chest X-ray was known by only 26% of the respondents. Only 8% of the radiology staff demonstrated correct knowledge of managing cases of accidental radiation exposure during unknown pregnancy. The knowledge of radiation dose and its associated carcinogenic risk among radiology staff is inadequate. Underestimation of radiation dose and cancer risk in diagnostic procedures is prevalent, which may lead to suboptimal scanning parameters and potential overuse of radiation in daily practice.