Abstract
Radiology is a vital diagnostic tool for multiple disorders that plays an essential role in the healthcare sector. Nurses are majorly involved in a healthcare setting by accompanying patients during the examination. Thus, nurses tend to be exposed during inward X-ray examination, requiring them to keep up with radiation use safety. However, nurses' competence in radiation is still a concept that has not been well studied in Malaysia. The study aimed to define the level of usage understanding and radiation protection among Malaysian nurses. In this research, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 395 nurses working in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare sectors in Malaysia. The survey is based on the developed Healthcare Professional Knowledge of Radiation Protection (HPKRP) scale, distributed via the online Google Forms. SPSS version 25.0 (IBM Corporation) was used to analyze the data in this study. Malaysian nurses reported the highest knowledge level in radiation protection with a mean of 6.03 ± 2.59. The second highest is safe ionizing radiation guidelines with 5.83 ± 2.77, but low knowledge levels in radiation physics and radiation usage principle (4.69 ± 2.49). Therefore, healthcare facilities should strengthen the training standards for all nurses working with or exposed to radiation.
Highlights
IntroductionX-rays remains the most widely used ionizing radiation in the medical field
Introduction e radiological examination usingX-rays remains the most widely used ionizing radiation in the medical field
A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in which data from nurses working in random hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare sectors across Malaysia were collected simultaneously. e questionnaire was created using a Google Form divided into two sections, with 39 questions in total
Summary
X-rays remains the most widely used ionizing radiation in the medical field. It is liable for the most significant human-made radiation exposure to the worldwide population [1]. Based on the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) study, approximately 4 billion X-ray examinations are conducted every year [2]. X-ray examinations are primary imaging tools for diagnosing tests that have been used for decades. X-ray imaging is the most important imaging used in clinical settings to help doctors diagnose and monitor certain body conditions and medical health [4] in most hospitals and clinics worldwide. X-ray imaging tests are a valuable diagnostic instrument for various procedures and examinations [5].
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
