Recommendations From the Blue Ribbon Panel on Fluoroscopy Safety.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiation Safety
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Fluoroscopy use is expanding across medical specialties.
• Significant challenges hinder safe fluoroscopy practices, including regulatory variability, scope of practice issues, inconsistent training, and staff empowerment deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish multi- and interspecialty consensus standards for the safe use of fluoroscopy.
• To develop uniform education and training standards for fluoroscopy users.
• To address challenges impacting patient and provider safety in fluoroscopy procedures.

Main Methods:

• Convening a multidisciplinary Blue Ribbon Panel on Fluoroscopy Safety (BRP-FS) with representation from 32 organizations.
• Developing consensus standards based on existing frameworks, such as the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement Commentary No. 33.
• Formulating recommendations for various stakeholders including local practices, professional organizations, industry, regulatory agencies, and accreditation bodies.

Main Results:

• Identification of key challenges in fluoroscopy safety, including regulatory, educational, and operational aspects.
• Establishment of a framework for consensus standards for fluoroscopy use.
• Development of recommendations targeting diverse stakeholders to improve safety and training.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary approach is essential to address fluoroscopy safety challenges.
• Standardized education and training are critical for safe fluoroscopy practices.
• Collaborative efforts among professional organizations, regulatory bodies, and healthcare providers are needed to implement effective safety standards.