Radiation Injury Treatment Network Medical and Nursing Workforce Radiation: Knowledge and Attitude Assessment

Area of Science:

• Medical preparedness
• Public health
• Radiation emergency response

Background:

• The Radiation Injury Treatment Network (RITN) is vital for national disaster response involving radiation casualties.
• Current RITN workforce education and training effectiveness for radiation emergencies is not well-defined.
• Assessing health-care provider (HCP) knowledge and skills is crucial for effective patient care post-radiation events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the knowledge, clinical competence, and willingness of HCPs within RITN centers to manage patients after a radiation emergency.
• To identify gaps in current education and training for radiation emergency response.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to assess HCPs' knowledge of radiation effects and management.
• The survey also evaluated self-perceived clinical competence and willingness to respond to radiation emergencies.
• Data on attendance at prior radiation emergency management courses were collected.

Main Results:

• Low attendance rates at radiation emergency management courses were observed among respondents.
• Overall knowledge scores regarding radiation effects and patient management were low across all participants.
• While most HCPs expressed willingness to respond, a significant majority felt clinically incompetent.

Conclusions:

• HCPs at RITN centers may lack essential knowledge for managing radiation patients during emergencies.
• There is a critical need for enhanced radiation education and training within the RITN.
• Improving awareness of radiation education's importance is necessary for RITN's preparedness.