Knowledge Of Radiation Safety Research Articles

Radiation Safety for Women in Cardiology: Myths and Important Messages

Accurate fertility-based radiation safety data, education and knowledge is important for all staff exposed to occupational radiation. Women are under-represented in all medical fields with increased exposure to occupational radiation, to achieve better equity in our medical workforces evidence-based radiation safety knowledge is essential to overcoming perceived career barriers. This review of radiation safety policy and data focuses on providing health professions working in cardiology with accurate contemporary information about potential radiation exposure with respect to fetal risk for pregnant health professionals. The data summarized within this review shows when women continue to work in cardiac catheterization laboratories through pregnancy their expected occupational radiation exposure with appropriate shielding, will not meaningfully change pregnancy outcomes, nor will it significantly increase risk to the fetus. The review also summarizes international workplace policy for radiation exposure and monitoring and provides recommendations for ongoing safe practice.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Radiation Safety among Radiographers in the Government Hospital in Tai’an City

Radiographers are professionals tasked with operating equipment emitting radiation, such as X-rays and Computer Tomography (CT). The focus on their Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) concerning Radiation Protection (RP) establishes a significant and imperative study area. This study endeavours to comprehensively investigate the KAP of RP among Radiographers in the Government Hospital in Tai'an City, aiming to explore correlations with various demographic and professional factors. In conclusion, the study asserts that myriad factors distinctly influence the KAP of RP among radiographers in the government hospital in Tai'an City.

Development, Feasibility, and Knowledge Impact of a Massive Open Online Course on Radiation Safety: A Multicentre Prospective Cohort Study

This study reports the development of an innovative, interactive Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) teaching radiation safety principles in the vascular workplace, using stepwise e-learning with multiple choice question tests (MCQs), educational videos, and a serious game. The aim was to study the MOOC impact on radiation safety knowledge and assess its feasibility and acceptability. An international multicentre prospective study included team members active in the hybrid operating room. The MOOC was offered voluntarily via a secured online learning platform. A standardised MCQ test (15 questions) assessed radiation safety knowledge pre- and post-course (range 0 - 100%). Acceptability and feasibility were tested via the previously validated evaluating e-learning system success (EESS) model, using five point Likert scales. In eight centres across four countries, 150 out of 203 invited endovascular team members consented. Over a seven week study period, surgeons (28%, including vascular surgery trainees and consultants), nurses (27%, including scrub/circulating and anaesthesiology nurses), anaesthesiologists (43%, including trainees and consultants), and radiographers (3%) participated. Of those, 67% completed the course. The average radiation knowledge improved by 22.8% (95% CI 19.5 - 26.0%; p < .001) after MOOC completion, from 48 to 71% (standard deviation [SD] 14 and 15% respectively), requiring a mean time investment of 169 minutes (SD 89 minutes). In centres with a radiographer, mean knowledge gain after MOOC completion was significantly smaller (14%, SD 19% vs. 24%, SD 16%, p = .036). The course was deemed feasible and acceptable according to the EESS model with a total mean score of 3.68/5. This newly developed, multimodal MOOC was deemed feasible and effective across multiple international centres. The MOOC significantly contributes to radiation safety education of the entire endovascular team, improving radiation safety knowledge. The course may optimise workplace radiation safety behaviour and therefore enhance team and patient safety.

Knowledge and practice of radiation safety in Brazilian equine veterinarians are less than optimal: An online survey.

Exposure to ionizing radiation is an occupational risk for veterinarians due to the potential for carcinogenesis, reproductive disorders, cataracts, and hereditary genetic changes. This survey study aimed to identify the radiological protection practices routinely used by veterinarians who work with portable digital X-ray equipment in horses in Brazil and assess their knowledge regarding current legislation. A total of 120 voluntary participation questionnaires were sent to veterinarians who used portable digital radiographic equipment in horses nationwide. The frequencies of the answers were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression models. Thirty-five veterinarians responded (29% response rate). Of these, there was a greater participation of professionals in public institutions (40%, 14/35, p<.001), with 69% from the southeast region (24/35, p<.001) and 69% (24/35, p=.028) being male. We found that self-employed veterinarians had a higher odds ratio (OR) (9.00; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.39-58.44]; p=.021) of not using personal protective equipment compared with those in professional public institutions. In addition, not knowing the current legislation Collegiate Directorate Resolution 611/22 was a potential risk factor for lower radiological protection (OR, 8.00; 95% CI, [0.79-81.33]; p=0.079). In conclusion, findings indicated that Brazilian equine veterinarians generally do not adopt adequate radiological protection against ionizing radiation during radiographic examinations and have low knowledge of the current legislation. Results can be used as background for the formulation of specific radiation protection guidelines for veterinarians and incentive educational and training strategies to reduce risks inherent to occupational exposure.

A Needs Assessment Exploring Radiation Oncology Nursing Confidence in Caring for Patients with Acute and Late Radiation Therapy Effects.

Registered Nurses (RN) have a critical and growing role in providing RO patient care. Moskalenko et al. published the first RO nursing needs assessment in the USA in 2021, reporting that RO nurses lacked standardized, structured education and certification programs for onboarding and continuing education. Herein, we report RN confidence in providing RO survivorship care. With permission from Moskalenko et al., an adapted version of their needs assessment survey was administered to RNs at a single academic medical center RO department in an IRB-exempt study. This survey used a Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (Not At All Confident) to 5 (Extremely Confident) to assess confidence across the following clinical domains: managing acute and late radiation effects, providing patient education regarding imaging, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), high-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR), concurrent systemic therapy, anesthesia recovery, radiation safety, and general cancer knowledge. RNs in RO were surveyed with a 100% (n = 14) response rate. Respondents were 61.5% oncology-certified nurses (OCN). 84.6% attended schools without affiliated RO departments or RO clinical experiences. 69.2% reported ≥5 years of oncology experience, and 45% had ≥5 years of RO experience. All RNs reported performing patient education. RNs expressed a high degree of confidence in managing triage phone calls (median 4, IQR [4-5]). RNs had moderate confidence in their general understanding of radiation (3 [3-4]), RO care team responsibilities (3 [3-4]), radiation treatment planning (3 [2-4]) and set up (3 [2-4]). RNs expressed the lowest confidence in regulatory aspects of radiation safety (2.5 [2-3]). RN confidence with patient education included the following domains: CT (3 [3-4]), MRI (3 [3-4]), PET (3 [3-4]), simulation (3 [2-4]), EBRT (3 [3-4]), anesthesia recovery (3 [3-4]), HDR (2.5 [1-5]), medication side effect management (4 3-4]), hormone treatments (3 [2-4]), and concurrent chemoradiation (3 [3-4]). Regarding acute toxicity management, RNs reported highest confidence with prostate/genitourinary (4 [3-4]), lung (4 [3-4]), and sarcoma cancers (3.5 [2-4]); with lower scores across hematologic (2.5 [2-4]) and pediatric cancers (2 [1-4]). Regarding late side effect management, the highest scores were observed among prostate/genitourinary (3 [2-4]), sarcoma (3 [2-4]), and breast (3 [2-3]) cancers; with comparatively lower scores for skin (2 [2-4]), CNS (2 [2-3]), GI (2 [2-3]), hematologic (2 [2-3]), and pediatric cancers (2 [1-2]). While this single-site pilot project is limited by small sample size, it highlights the need for a formalized curriculum, scope of practice, and credentialing for RO nurses. These data can help to target education needs while guiding curriculum development.

Radiation safety in an era of diagnostic radiology growth in Africa: Lessons learned from Tanzania

PurposeAs radiology continues to grow in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), radiation exposure and risk to patients and staff will concurrently increase. This study aims to assess the knowledge of radiation safety among medical staff in Tanzania. MethodsA survey was distributed to 350 staff members at a national referral hospital in Tanzania over a 7-month period (February–August 2021). This consisted of a structured questionnaire evaluating participants' knowledge and awareness ionizing radiation and radiation safety. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to determine the association between independent and dependent categorical variables. ResultsA total of 300 surveys were completed (86% response rate). Mean age was 31 and 53% of participants were female. The majority (89%) were clinical staff employed in direct patient care. Most reported having heard of radiation protection (85%) but only 61% reported receiving training in radiation protection. Regarding radiation knowledge, 73% correctly answered how to protect oneself from radiation and 74% knew which medical staff were at greater risk of radiation exposure. However, only 32% correctly answered which imaging tests emit more radiation and only 53% correctly answered which age group was at greatest risk of radiation effects. Non-clinical staff had a significantly lower radiation awareness than clinical staff, with 69.7% reporting having heard about radiation protection, compared to 88.3% of clinical staff (p = 0.004). Female participants were more knowledgeable of radiation risks in pregnancy (p = 0.002). More early career staff reported receiving radiation protection training (64.5%) compared to those with >5 years work experience (53.9%), though this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). When stratifying radiation knowledge by high (score of 80–100%), moderate (60–79.9%) and low (<60%), 20% of participants scored high, 47% moderate, and 33% low. ConclusionMost staff had low to moderate knowledge on radiation safety. Our findings highlight the importance of education on ionizing radiation as medical imaging continues to rise in Africa.

Assessment of radiographers' understanding of radiation safety and their occupational radiation exposure in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia

BackgroundMedical radiation workers account for 75% of the workers exposed to ionizing radiation worldwide. All registered radiation workers' occupational exposure is monitored regularly to keep track of their doses. It is critical to track personnel's radiation exposure and assess the characteristics that affect the total radiation burden. ObjectiveThe study aims to assess radiographers' knowledge of radiation safety and their occupational exposure in the Southern Province of Saudi Arabia. Materials and methodsMany random hospitals in the Asir region (Hospitals 1, 2, and 3), south of Saudi Arabia, were selected. The project's analysis of the TLD readings for 200 radiography staff members was the first step. After that, radiology departments were surveyed about radiation exposure, and an electronic questionnaire was created to gauge radiographers' awareness and understanding. The responses were then examined. ResultsMore than half of the technicians whose average dose limit is more significant than one mSv, 20% are higher than 1.5 mSv. The CT rooms of Hospital 1 have a much higher effective dose than the rest of the hospitals' CT rooms. Most radiographers do not wear radiation gowns during imaging when required. More than half of them reported that some protective tools are not available. The technicians demonstrated sound knowledge in answering questions about understanding and awareness of radiation protection. ConclusionThe results are alert to a weakness in the radiation protection system within hospitals. This is reflected in the great dissatisfaction of technicians with the radiation protection units in their hospitals. Awareness answers and good knowledge do not correspond to reality.

Knowledge and attitude of radiation safety and the use of protective measures among healthcare workers in a tertiary center.

World Health Organization (WHO) reports that medical applications used in different fields account for the majority of the artificial source of radiation. Due to the high exposure to ionizing radiation, healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients are considered at high risk of suffering its harmful effects. A questionnaire survey was used to conduct a cross-sectional study that aimed to estimate the radiation safety, knowledge, attitude and the use of protective measures among HCWs in a tertiary hospital. A total of 174 participants were included in our study, the majority of them were physicians (100, 57.1%), nurses staff were 67 (38.3%), and the technicians were 8 (4.6%). Across the entire spectrum, the low level of attitude toward radiation safety was 96 (54.8%), majority of them were physicians 69 (71.9%). On the other hand, the high level of attitude toward radiation safety was 79 (45.2%), majority were nurses staff 42 (53.2%). Regarding the knowledge of radiation safety, out of all low-level attitudes, 53 (55.2%) had knowledge about the optimal thickness of the lead shield, 80 (83.3%) had knowledge about leukemia and lymphoma, 56 (58.3%) had knowledge regarding cataract, and 70 (72.9%) had knowledge regarding birth defect. Our study found that the majority of our physicians had a low attitude regarding radiation safety, although the majority of them were found to have knowledge about it. A recommendation for solid curricular application of radiation safety should be implemented in medical schools, postgraduate with continuous training, and practical courses which may help to improve the level of attitude and knowledge among HCWs regarding radiation safety.

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge of Radiation Safety among the Radiological and Other Departmental Staff of Different Hospital in Haryana and Delhi Ncr Region

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge of Radiation Safety among the Radiological and Other Departmental Staff of Different Hospital in Haryana and Delhi Ncr Region

Healthcare professionals’ awareness and knowledge of COVID-19 and radiation safety

Healthcare professionals’ awareness and knowledge of COVID-19 and radiation safety

X-ray therapy safety and awareness education for medical trainees and attending physicians.

Medical imaging involving ionizing radiation is common in the clinical setting. Little is known about the level of radiation safety training for medical trainees and attending physicians. We sought to identify the level of radiation safety knowledge and training at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and attending physician level. A 29-question survey was sent by email to two sites in Canada. We pooled the results of medical students, residents, and attending physicians. The primary outcome was to describe the amount of radiation safety training among these groups. The secondary outcomes were to describe the frequency of radiation exposure, level of radiation knowledge, and preferred training method for radiation safety. Of 115 surveys that were properly completed, 31 (26.9%) medical students, 17 (14.7%) residents, and 67 (58.3%) attending physicians responded. A greater number of medical students (41.9%) reported they had zero hours of training time for radiation safety compared to attending physicians (14.9%) (p<0.05). A higher number of attending physicians (47.8%) and residents (64.7%) participated in patient care involving fluoroscopy daily or at least several times per week compared to medical students (3.2%) (p<0.001). Attending physicians had the greatest number of correct responses to radiation safety questions. Online courses and workshops were the preferred training methods. Radiation safety training is an important component of medical education for medical trainees and attending physicians. Current radiation safety training requirements and procedures at various levels of medical training in Canada should be addressed. Implementing radiation safety education may improve adherence to the radiation safety principles.

Assessment of Awareness And Knowledge among Medical Students Regarding Radiation Exposure from Common Diagnostic Imaging Procedures

Objective: to assess the awareness and knowledge of our medical students regarding dose levels of imaging procedures and radiation safety issues, and to conclude how the curriculum of clinical radiology in the college medical program impacts such knowledge. Subjects and methods: this is a cross-sectional study conducted among 150 medical students in Alkindy College of Medicine between January 2021 to July 2021, regardless of their age or gender. The study included six grades according to the year 2020-2021. A questionnaire consisting of 12 multiple-choice questions was conducted via an online survey using Google Forms. The questions were divided into two parts (awareness concerning issues of radiation protection, and information about dose levels of frequent radiological investigations). Results: Regarding their radiology knowledge, about one-third of all participants rated as average. Students who had not established training in radiology chose the inappropriate choice more often than individuals who had received training. Also, students without instruction/ teaching in diagnostic clinical radiology were more likely to connect MRI and ultrasound with an increased cancer possibility compared with those students receiving radiology teaching. About the desired educational method, 32% wanted a tutorial or workshops, 29% wanted a learning module, 25% chose a case study and 14% chose a lecture. Conclusion: With increasing years in medical school, the student’s alertness demonstrates better performance regarding the radiation exposures in imaging diagnosis. The greater part of medical students has inadequate knowledge about different aspects of radiation sources, hazard, and their safety. We think that adding more theoretical and practical programs to the educational radiology curriculum will advance awareness of radiation safety and increase knowledge among medical students regarding the doses of radiological examinations.

Knowledge and practice of radiation safety in the Catherization laboratory among Interventional Cardiologists – An online survey

An Online Survey among Interventional Cardiologists (IC) assessed the knowledge (five questions) and practice of radiation safety (eleven questions). Out of 185 respondents, knowledge of annual radiation dose (2% knew), LAO cranial view giving maximum radiation (48%) and benefit of assessment of radiation exposure with dose area product (31%) was limited. Radiation safety was practiced “whenever I remember” in 37–59%. Radiation safety practices were optimal frame rate selection (32%), distancing from x-ray unit (17%), collimation use (30%), positioning the image detector close to chest (91%) and personal dosimeters use (40%). A major gap exists between knowledge and practice of radiation safety.

Medical Radiation Safety and COVID-19 Knowledge and Awareness among UAE Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

: BackgroundRadiologic examinations are valuable tools in the evaluation of COVID-19. A patient-centered care approach encourages patient involvement in decision-making related to their health management. Therefore, patients should have basic knowledge about their disease and its evaluation tools. Therefore, the purpose of this prospective study is to evaluate the public level of knowledge and awareness regarding COVID-19 and radiation safety in the UAE. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using an online questionnaire (Google platform). The data collection instrument contained close-ended questions in both Arabic and English. The questions aimed to collect demographic information and to measure the level of knowledge and awareness of COVID-19 and radiation safety. The questionnaire was distributed online using different social media platforms. Results: A total of 1548 participants have completed the questionnaire; 84% were females and 16% were males. The participants’ average age was 24 years. Sixty-eight percent of the participants showed a high level of awareness of the COVID-19 pandemic, while most of the participants (51%) only showed a low level in the radiation safety awareness section. Factors such as Emirates of residence and passively receiving awareness information were shown to predict knowledge and awareness level. Conclusions: The UAE public was found to have a high level of knowledge and awareness about the COVID-19 disease. However, the same could not be said about radiation safety. More effort should be put towards raising the public’s knowledge and awareness about the risk of radiation in order to enable them to participate actively in decisions regarding the radiologic management of their disease.

Assessment of Radiation Safety Training, Practices and Knowledge amongst Canadian Orthopaedic Resident Training Programs

Objective: There is ample literature demonstrating significant health risks associated with radiation exposure, yet there is no standardized radiation safety training for Canadian orthopaedic surgery residents. This is the first national survey investigating the prevalence of radiation safety training and radiation safety practices in Canadian orthopaedic residency programs. Methods: A nationaln online survey was distributed to orthopaedic residents currently enrolled in a Canadian program from all post-graduate (PGY) levels who were fluent in English or French with a medical doctorate or equivalent training. Fellows, international elective or observer ship students were excluded. Results: Overall response rate across Canada was 41% (n=116). Most respondents (94%, n=102) were concerned about the negative effects of radiation, yet only 11% (n=12) felt confident with their radiation safety knowledge. Of the residents who felt confident in their knowledge, only 42% (n=5) answered all three radiation safety screening questions correctly. Overall, 58% (n=66) of respondents had undergone some form of radiation safety training. Compliance with protective lead was high (92%, n=93) when available, but 82% (n=92) of respondents cited issues accessing properly fitting lead. Only 18% (n=20) of orthopaedic residents reported routinely wearing dosimeters. Conclusion: Limited access to properly fitting protective lead, poor radiation safety knowledge, and lack of routine radiation monitoring could be placing residents at risk for poor health outcomes in the future. These results provide impetus for orthopaedic residency programs across Canada to implement higher safety standards in the form of standardized radiation safety training, routine dosimeter use, improved lead availability, and continued abidance to radiation safety protocols.

Radiation safety awareness and practices amongst orthopaedic surgeons in Scotland.

As orthopaedic surgeons we use x-rays every day; not only when diagnosing pathology but often to assist in operative management of said pathology or ensure satisfactory outcomes for our patients in clinic. An awareness of the correct use of ionising radiation in the form of fluoroscopic imaging is therefore of great importance to reduce intraoperative exposure and has led to the development of the As Little As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle. The primary aim of this study is to determine the knowledge and practises of radiation safety amongst orthopaedic surgeons in Scotland. Secondary aim is to assess the prevalence of back pain and relation to lead gowns. A google forms survey containing 20 questions about both an individual's radiation practises, and knowledge and departmental practises were distributed to all 4 deaneries in Scotland. In total 72 responses were received from 20 hospitals across all 4 Scottish deaneries. This included 28 Consultants, 23 Senior trainees and 21 Junior trainees. We found that the level of radiation training and knowledge varied considerably across seniority and the nation. Of those surveyed 100% reported always wear lead aprons/gowns however only 46.2% (n = 34) frequently or always wear thyroid protection when using X-rays. Only 55% (n = 40) of those surveyed had completed a radiation safety course with this being far less likely amongst junior trainees (29%, n = 6) than amongst Consultants (82%, n = 23) and senior trainees (48%, n = 11) (p < 0.0001). To our knowledge this is the most extensive survey into the radiation practises of Orthopaedic Surgeons in the literature and shows the need for increased education and awareness of radiation safety practises, particularly amongst junior trainees.

Public Awareness of Consumer Products Containing Radioactive Materials: Empirical Evidence from Malaysia.

The emergence of online purchase platforms makes products containing radioactive materials more accessible to consumers. These products are gaining popularity and are widely available and easily accessible in the market today. This study examined how consumer’s psychological factors affect their decision of purchasing products containing radioactive materials in the market. Based on the protective action decision model (PADM) and the heuristic-systematic model (HSM), this study proposed a model to add to the literature on consumer awareness of risky products. In particular, this study investigated which type of regulatory focus message (promotion-focused advertisement or prevention-focused advertisement) is significant in moderating the effects of radiation safety knowledge and product knowledge on risk perception when purchasing products containing radioactive materials. The relationship between consumers’ risk perception and information seeking, which leads to the purchase intention of such products was also investigated. Advertisements with varying regulatory focus messages were randomly distributed to participants to determine whether consumers are more influenced by promotion-focused advertisement or prevention-focused advertisement to mitigate the risk of purchasing products containing radioactive materials. The results revealed that promotion-focused advertising messages evoked a positive effect on consumers’ radiation safety knowledge and product knowledge toward risk perception. However, prevention-focused regulatory advertising messages did not moderate the relationships between both radiation safety knowledge and product knowledge on consumers’ risk perception. This study offers guidelines for manufacturers, sellers, and marketers of products containing radioactive materials, and, importantly, for the government to devise strategies in designing effective social marketing advertisement for business, environmental and societal benefits.

Exploring radiation safety knowledge among nurses

Aim: As part of the medical team, nurses often take part in both controlled and supervised radiation fields. For this reason, nurses need to know about radiation and radiation safety. This study is aimed to determine the knowledge level of nurses in a tertiary pediatric hospital about radiation safety through a questionnaire. &#x0D; Material and Method: Within the scope of the survey conducted, the age, gender and years of experience data of the participants were collected. In addition, they have been asked whether they have received radiation safety training throughout their professional life and whether they want to receive such training now. Basic questions about radiation safety and questions to measure the general level of information about radiation are also addressed.&#x0D; Results: The link of the survey was delivered to 583 nurses in the study center and 313 nurses completed the questionnaire. 53.67% of the nurses stated that they do not know the name of the beam used for x-ray imaging. 64.28% of the nurses stated that they did not receive such education in their professional life. 78.57% of all participants stated that they wanted to receive a training how to protect themselves while X-ray is being performed in their environment.&#x0D; Conclusion: A significant number of nurses do not receive radiation safety training. Those who received such an education state that they are not satisfied with the training. Nurses want to receive radiation safety training. Trainings with regular and appropriate content can increase nurses’ radiation safety knowledge and awareness.

A survey on knowledge, attitude, and practices of workplace radiation safety amongst anaesthesiology personnel in northern Indian tertiary care institutes.

Background and Aims:Exposure to ionising radiation to Anaesthesiology consultants, residents, technicians and nurses (Anaesthesiology personnel) is steadily increasing as a consequence of growing usage of imaging technology for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. We conducted a questionnaire-based survey of Anaesthesiology professionals (consultants, residents, technicians and nursing staff) working in three major tertiary care medical institutes in northern India regarding the existing knowledge, attitudes and practices of radiation safety at their workplaces.Methods:A printed and validated 30-point questionnaire was distributed. Questions were graded into the domains of demographics (6 questions), knowledge (9 questions), attitude (4 questions) and practice (11 questions). Data obtained from the responses was collated and analysed statisticallyResults:Out of the 403 questionnaires distributed, 222 were returned completed (55%). Majority of the respondents were residents (53.60%) and males (57.20%). Many were unaware of the principle of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA), (70.7%) regarding collimators (65.85%) and their usage (41.9%). Maximum respondents stressed on the necessity of knowing the exposure dosage of radiations (89.2%) and were concerned regarding the same (87.8%). Lead apron was the commonest protection equipment and 97.3% of them were not using dosimeters. Highest levels of knowledge, attitude, and practices were demonstrated by the consultants. In terms of practices, the technicians fared better than the residents.Conclusion:Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding radiation protection issues and doses of radiological procedures is limited. Although all the cadres scored high on their attitude scores, the practice sector requires improvement.

Use of social media for the improvement of radiation safety knowledge among Saudi Arabian radiographers.

BackgroundRadiographers have used social media networks for education, research, professional development and other purposes. However, in Saudi Arabia, there are no studies on the use of social media by radiographers. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the use of social media for the improvement of radiation safety knowledge among Saudi Arabian radiographers.MethodsA questionnaire was designed to collect the data from Saudi Arabian radiographers. The questionnaire was created using Google Forms and was sent to 530 radiographers using WhatsApp. In total, 159 participants completed and returned the questionnaire through WhatsApp. The response rate was 30%. Basic descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the data.ResultsMost of the participants (79.9%) thought that social media could be used as a tool for the improvement of radiation safety knowledge. Also, almost half of participants (49.7%) employed social media when they needed to obtain information about radiation protection. Similarly, a majority of respondents (69.2%) used social media when they required information related to radiation safety. In addition, 81.7% of participants observed on video the existing information on radiation safety. Also, 71.7% of them were disposed to expand the use of social media to obtain information for radiation protection in their professional activities.ConclusionThe results indicate that social media can help to improve radiation safety knowledge among Saudi Arabian radiographers. Consequently, participants were willing to increase the use of these tools in their professional work.