[Questionnaire Survey of Radiation Protection Education in Hospitals]

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Occupational Health
• Radiological Sciences

Background:

• Radiation protection education is vital for healthcare professionals handling ionizing radiation.
• Compliance with regulations ensures minimized occupational exposure risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current status of radiation protection education for designated radiation workers in hospitals.
• To identify gaps in radiation safety training implementation and compliance.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide web-based questionnaire survey was distributed to hospitals with 200 or more beds.
• Data analysis included 186 hospital responses regarding radiation protection education practices.

Main Results:

• Non-compliance with radiation protection education mandates was observed in 6.7% and 7.4% of surveyed hospitals.
• Physician attendance rates for radiation protection education were lower than those for nurses.
• Annual education, under one hour, covering radiation health effects and protection methods was common, with radiological technologists often as instructors.

Conclusions:

• Significant variation exists in radiation protection education implementation across hospitals.
• Some hospitals fail to adhere to legal requirements for radiation worker training.
• Development of effective and efficient radiation protection education models is recommended for hospitals.