Navigating Radiation Safety After Radiopharmaceutical Therapies: Proposed Workflow and Essential Guidelines for...

Area of Science:

• Nuclear medicine
• Radiopharmaceutical therapy
• Radiation safety

Background:

• Increasing use of radiopharmaceutical therapies necessitates improved radiation safety protocols.
• Healthcare professionals (HCPs) require accessible information on managing patients post-therapy.
• Fear and lack of knowledge can impede care for radioactive patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a workflow for informing HCPs about radiation safety for post-radiopharmaceutical therapy patients.
• To ensure HCPs have immediate access to essential safety information.
• To safeguard medical staff and maintain continuity of patient care.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an electronic medical record (EMR) flag system.
• Utilizing a physical wristband to alert HCPs of potential radioactivity.
• Providing a link to a website with detailed radiation safety guidelines.

Main Results:

• The workflow provides clear guidelines and safety protocols for HCPs.
• Immediate access to radiation safety information is facilitated.
• Potential for reduced radiation exposure to staff and decreased fear is achieved.

Conclusions:

• The proposed workflow enhances radiation safety for HCPs managing patients post-radiopharmaceutical therapy.
• Integrated EMR flags and wristbands effectively communicate patient status.
• This approach supports safe patient management and continuous care delivery.