Radioprotection maturity in nuclear medicine: A structured KPI assessment framework.

Area of Science:

• Radiological Sciences
• Medical Physics
• Health Physics

Background:

• Nuclear medicine utilizes unsealed radioactive sources, presenting complex radioprotection challenges.
• These challenges encompass governance, patient and occupational monitoring, contamination control, and radioactive waste management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and operationalize a structured Key Performance Indicator (KPI) assessment framework for evaluating radioprotection maturity in nuclear medicine.
• To identify areas of strength and weakness in radioprotection practices within nuclear medicine services.

Main Methods:

• A structured questionnaire-based KPI assessment framework was developed.
• The framework included a KPI dictionary covering governance, training, patient protection, occupational protection, contamination control, waste/public protection, and incident learning.
• Questionnaire items were designed to capture diverse indicators with consistent definitions.

Main Results:

• Management maturity showed variability, with stronger emphasis on basic arrangements than formal quality systems.
• Training and induction maturity were moderate but uneven, indicating a need for standardization.
• Patient optimization was relatively well-represented, though formalization of screening processes could be improved.
• Occupational protection revealed established dosimetry but less consistent extremity and eye monitoring.
• Incident learning was the least mature domain, characterized by limited reporting and slow feedback loops.

Conclusions:

• The KPI framework effectively assesses nuclear medicine radioprotection infrastructure and practices.
• It provides a basis for developing measurable safety-system improvement plans aligned with international standards.
• Enhancing governance, documentation, and learning systems is crucial for comprehensive radioprotection.