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Paediatric pelvic imaging: improvement in gonad shield placement by multidisciplinary audit
M McCarty1, R Waugh, H McCallum
1South Cleveland Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, UK. moiramccarty@yahoo.com
Pediatric Radiology
|August 21, 2001
Summary
Paediatric pelvic radiographs showed poor gonad protection. An audit and multidisciplinary team improved gonad shield use and positioning, significantly reducing radiation exposure in children undergoing pelvic X-rays.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Radiation Protection
Background:
- Reports in 1996 indicated inadequate gonad shielding during paediatric pelvic radiography.
- This highlighted a critical need to address radiation safety in pediatric imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and rectify issues with gonad protection in paediatric pelvic radiographs.
- To implement improvements in imaging techniques and reduce patient radiation dose.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective audit of 218 paediatric pelvic radiographs was conducted across multiple rounds (1997-1999).
- Assessment included the presence, appropriateness, and positioning of gonad shields.
- A multidisciplinary team focused on technique enhancement and dose reduction strategies, including radiographer training and digital fluoroscopy.
Main Results:
- Gonad shield utilization increased significantly from 76-77.9% to 85.2-85.4% by round 3 (P < 0.05).
- Correct gonad shield positioning improved dramatically from 21.9-31.6% to 78.3-94.3% by round 3 (P < 0.05).
- No inappropriate shielding devices were used after the initial audit phase.
Conclusions:
- Audit proved effective in securing resources for technique improvement and radiation dose reduction in pediatric patients.
- A collaborative, multidisciplinary approach was essential for the project's success in enhancing radiation safety.