An assessment of radiation use, knowledge and concerns in trainee cardiologists in Ireland

To evaluate knowledge, routine use and concerns of trainee cardiologists in the Republic of Ireland regarding radiation use in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

We handed out a Radiation Questionnaire to cardiology trainees in February 2020 at the Irish Cardiac Society "Spring Meeting". The questionnaire assessed radiation protection use amongst trainees and tested knowledge of X-ray basics.

Many trainees report inadequate access to properly sized lead protection, and infrequent dosimeter usage. Over one-third of trainees report musculoskeletal issues from wearing leads, the majority of whom use correct size lead <60% of the time.33.3% report radiation concerns will affect their decision making regarding subspeciality training, but notably 83.3% of females and only 19% of males surveyed report this, showing this is a bigger issue for females in cardiology. Less than half of trainees feel adequately educated about radiation.

Our assessment show deficiencies in the provision and use of personal protective equipment to trainees, highlights extra radiation concerns of female cardiology trainees, and notes gaps in knowledge in radiation use.

Our assessment highlights deficiencies in the education of cardiology trainees regarding ionizing radiation, and suggests this area needs to be improved upon.