Radiation safety education in vascular surgery training

Endovascular volume during vascular surgery training has increased profoundly over recent decades, providing heavy exposure to ionizing radiation. The study purpose was to examine the radiation safety training and practices of current vascular surgery trainees.

An anonymous survey was distributed to all current U.S. trainees. Responses were compared according to the presence of formal radiation safety training and also the trainees' perception of their attendings' adherence to As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) strategies.

The response rate was 14%. Forty-five percent had no formal radiation safety training, 74% were unaware of the radiation safety policy for pregnant females, 48% did not know their radiation safety officer's contact information, and 43% were unaware of the yearly acceptable levels of radiation exposure. Trained residents knew more basic radiation safety information, and more likely wore their dosimeter badges (P < .05). Trained residents found their radiation safety officer helpful in developing safety habits; untrained residents relied on other residents (P < .05). Trainees who felt their attendings consistently practiced ALARA strategies more likely practiced ALARA themselves (P < .05).

The lack of formal radiation safety training in respondents may reflect an inadequate state of radiation safety education and practices among U.S. vascular surgery residents.