European consensus on patient contact shielding

P Hiles,P Gilligan,J Damilakis,E Briers,C Candela-Juan,D Faj,S Foley,G Frija,C Granata,H De Las Heras Gala,R Pauwels,M Sans Merce,G Simantirakis,E Vano

doi:10.1016/j.radi.2021.12.003

Abstract

Patient contact shielding has been in use for many years in radiology departments in order to reduce the effects and risks of ionising radiation on certain organs. New technologies in projection imaging and CT scanning such as digital receptors and automatic exposure control (AEC) systems have reduced doses and improved image consistency. These changes and a greater understanding of both the benefits and the risks from the use of shielding have led to a review of shielding use in radiology. A number of professional bodies have already issued guidance in this regard. This paper represents the current consensus view of the main bodies involved in radiation safety and imaging in Europe: European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics, European Federation of Radiographer Societies, European Society of Radiology, European Society of Paediatric Radiology, EuroSafe Imaging, European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS), and European Academy of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology (EADMFR). It is based on the expert recommendations of the Gonad and Patient Shielding (GAPS) Group formed with the purpose of developing consensus in this area. The recommendations are intended to be clear and easy to use. They are intended as guidance, and they are developed using a multidisciplinary team approach. It is recognised that regulations, custom and practice vary widely on the use of patient shielding in Europe and it is hoped that these recommendations will inform a change management program that will benefit patients and staff.

Highlights

In the healthcare sector, radiation protection devices are frequently placed in contact with the human body to reduce the radiation exposure to radiosensitive organs of patients undergoing diagnostic and interventional X-ray examinations
The growing need for a European consensus statement on patient contact shielding has been highlighted by Gilligan and Damilakis,[7] with the main objective of supporting and promoting effective and harmonised clinical practice
Representatives of the European Federation of Medical Physicists (EFOMP), European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS), European Society of Radiology (ESR), European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR), EuroSafe Imaging (ESI), European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) and European Academy of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology (EADMFR), as well as a representative from the Patient Advisory Group of ESR, founded the GAPS (Gonad and Patient Shielding) group with the purpose to propose a European recommendation on the use of contact shielding

Summary

Introduction

Radiation protection devices are frequently placed in contact with the human body to reduce the radiation exposure to radiosensitive organs of patients undergoing diagnostic and interventional X-ray examinations. Section “Issues when using contact shielding” considers scenarios and approaches where individual circumstances such as high cumulative dose, anxious or radiosensitive patients may indicate that the radiology professional chooses to use shielding.

Results

Conclusion