Physicians' knowledge about ionizing radiation and radiological imaging techniques: a cross-sectional survey

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Radiation Safety

Background:

• Radiological examinations are essential for diagnosing various medical conditions.
• Physician understanding of radiation risks is crucial for patient safety.
• Effective use of radiological imaging requires adequate knowledge of radiation principles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge of ionizing radiation and imaging techniques among physicians.
• To identify knowledge gaps in radiation safety and risks.
• To compare awareness levels across different physician grades.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 55 physicians at a university hospital.
• A questionnaire assessed knowledge of ionizing radiation and associated risks.
• Participants included consultants and residents, with data analyzed for differences.

Main Results:

• The average knowledge score was 68.2%, indicating room for improvement.
• Consultants scored significantly lower than residents (p=0.040).
• Consultants were more likely to incorrectly answer questions about CT scans increasing cancer risk (p=0.036).

Conclusions:

• Clinical experience does not necessarily correlate with increased awareness of ionizing radiation.
• Targeted education on radiation risks is needed for physicians, especially senior staff.
• Improving radiation knowledge is vital for optimizing diagnostic imaging practices.