Radiation protection education using virtual reality for the visualisation of scattered distributions during radiological examinations

Abstract

When working in radiology and patient assistance in medical facilities, radiation workers need to understand how to properly protect themselves and others from scattered radiation. In this study, a visualisation method is examined to facilitate the understanding of the spread of scattered radiation in radiography, computerised tomography (CT), and angiography rooms, and the application of this system for radiation protection education is proposed. X-ray radiography, x-ray CT, and angiography rooms were constructed using the particle and heavy ion transport code system, and the scattered radiation distributions that occurred when a patient was irradiated with x-rays were simulated. The three-dimensional (3D) distribution of each moment was continuously displayed to create a four-dimensional (4D) distribution. Using the obtained data, a radiation protection education seminar was conducted that included exercises to allow the students to confirm the presence of scattered radiation from any direction. The effectiveness of the scattered radiation visualisation data was evaluated using an interview. The position of the assistant for conducting standing chest radiographs that experienced the least scattered radiation was determined to be at the side and foot side of the patient. As a result of an interview that was provided to the participants following the seminar, the effectiveness of this system for providing education about radiation protection was confirmed. The visualisation method allowed the students to better understand the behaviour of radiation and the sources of scattered radiation. The visualisation of 3D and 4D scattered radiation distributions in radiological examination rooms can intuitively enhance the understanding of the spread of invisible radiation and the appropriate methods of mitigating radiation exposure.