Physicians Knowledge on Radiation Exposure during Pediatric Computed Tomography (CT)

Abstract

Purpose: The main objective of this study is to explore the physician's knowledge on patient radiation exposure during pediatric Computed Tomography (CT). Materials and methods: A questionnaire from various questions was developed during this work. The questions have focusing on prescribers' practices and their knowledge of patient radiation protection. It was distributed and completed by 44 doctors of various medical specialties in the regional hospital center of Agadir. Results: Forty-four questionnaires survey were analyzed. All physicians disregard the three principles of radiation protection. Only 11% of physicians estimate correctly the dose delivered for an adult during a standard thoracic radiological examination. The delivered dose for a 1 year old child during a standard thoracic radiological examination was disregard by 98% of prescribers.16% of physicians estimate correctly the dose delivered for an adult during a thoracic CT scan. The dose delivered for a 5-year-old child during a thoracic CT scan was underrated by 84% of physicians. One for five prescribers assigns a dose of irradiation higher than 0.01 mSv during a thoracic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam for child. Finally, 34% of physicians choose CT scan (not indicated) as the first choice for abdomino-pelvic mass and epileptic syndromes. Conclusion: The radiation doses in CT scan are poorly mastered, and indications of CT exams are not correctly applied by our clinicians. The risk of developing a malignant neoplasm after a radiological exposure in pediatric CT scan has been confirmed by all our prescribers. There is a need for arising awareness about this topic and both initial and continuing training in radiation protection for patients could significantly improve our practitioners' knowledge of radiation protection for patients..