Simulator training to minimize ionizing radiation exposure in the catheterization laboratory

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Cardiology
• Medical Education

Background:

• Patients and healthcare professionals face significant ionizing radiation exposure during cardiac catheterization procedures.
• Lack of awareness regarding radiation effects and scattered radiation behavior contributes to this exposure.
• Effective radiation safety training is crucial for minimizing risks in interventional cardiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a simulator for teaching radiation safety in catheterization laboratories.
• To assess the impact of simulator-based training on knowledge acquisition and retention.
• To measure user satisfaction with the simulation-based learning approach.

Main Methods:

• A simulator incorporating scattered ionizing radiation data was developed using phantom measurements.
• The simulator's validity was confirmed in clinical settings and tested by 20 interventional cardiologists.
• Objective knowledge examinations (pre-, post-, and 12-week follow-up) and subjective Likert questionnaires were administered.

Main Results:

• Knowledge examination scores significantly increased from a baseline of 54% to 94% post-training (p < 0.001).
• Knowledge gains were retained at the 12-week follow-up.
• Participants reported high satisfaction levels with the simulation-based training.

Conclusions:

• Simulator-based training is an effective method for educating cardiology staff and fellows on radiation safety.
• This training enhances knowledge and can be applied to reduce radiation doses for patients and operators.
• Simulation improves safety during interventional cardiology procedures.