Radiographers’ knowledge regarding patients’ ionizing radiation doses during common radiological procedures in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

To evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness regarding radiation doses from common radiological examinations among 100 radiographers working in different hospitals across Saudi Arabia, a questionnaire comprising 21 multiple-choice questions was electronically distributed to 180 radiographers working in medical imaging departments in various hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Participants were instructed to estimate the radiation dose administrated to patients during common radiological procedures. I received 100 survey responses. Only 13% (n = 13) of the participants correctly identified the effective radiation dose from 1-view chest and abdominal X-ray, whereas 7% (n = 7) correctly identified the dose from 2-view chest X-ray. Approximately half of the participants underestimated the patient dose from head and abdominal computed tomography and 2-view unilateral mammogram. Moreover, 17–26% correctly estimated the patient’s risk of fatal cancer from common radiological procedures. These results revealed a remarkably low level of knowledge among radiographers regarding radiation dose and risks. The vast majority of radiographers underestimated radiation doses and associated risks from common radiological examinations. The number of bachelor’s programs in Saudi Arabia has been extremely limited in the past decade. Most radiographers hold a diploma degree, which does not include any courses on radiation dose or protection. Continuous professional development in radiation safety is required to practice radiography.