Personal dosimeter utilisation among South African interventionalists

Ionising radiation (IR) is increasingly being used in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and offers increased benefits to patients but poses an increased occupational health risk to operators. The consistent use and monitoring of radiation health care workers ’ dosimeters is an important part of the process for ensuring adequate monitoring and control of IR in the workplace. There is however often inconsistent dosimeter utilisation among these workers. The aim of this study was to report on the dosimeter utilisation and dosimetry practices in South African interventionalists. We conducted a survey and did in-depth and group interviews to evaluate dosimetry practices and the factors influencing these practices. We used STATA 15 to do a descriptive analysis of the quantitative data. A thematic analysis of the qualitative data was done using a deductive and inductive approach. There were 108 respondents (35 radiologists, 41 adult cardiologists, 32 paediatric cardiologists). The m...
Source: Journal of Radiological Protection - Category: Physics Authors: Source Type: research