Knowing the Enemy: Health Care Provider Knowledge of Computed Tomography Radiation Dose and Associated Risks

There is ionizing radiation and associated risk from many medical imaging examinations, especially computed tomography (CT). Unfortunately, health care providers often have limited knowledge regarding radiation dose levels and potential risk.

To assess knowledge of dose levels and risk among referring physicians, imaging technologists, and radiologists in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and to identify potential differences between and within those groups.

A survey was designed and administered to health care professionals.

A total of 308 of 328 surveys were completed (91% response rate). Overall 73% of physicians, 97% of radiologists, and 76% of technologists correctly believed that there is a risk for cancer from an abdomen-pelvic CT scan. Although only 18% of physicians, 28% of radiologists, and 22% of technologists selected the most appropriate estimate of abdominal-pelvic CT dose in terms of chest x-ray equivalents, this is similar to other reported studies. Physicians and technologists who use CT were more likely to select the correct dose than those who do not. Most respondents (91% of physicians, 100% of radiologists, and 100% of technologists) felt that pregnant patients should always be informed about radiation dose as a risk. Although frequency of discussing risk decreased with increasing patient age, technologists were more likely to discuss risk at any age. A total of 93% of respondents expressed interest in receiving dose feedback from medical imaging procedures.

Radiologists and technologists generally showed better knowledge than referring physicians. Among physicians and technologists, knowledge was better in those who use CT than those who do not.