Hawthorne effect: shortening of fluoroscopy times during radiation measurement studies

Screening times were recorded before (n = 92, 13 radiologists) and after (n = 75, 6 radiologists) commencing a protocol with dose-area product (DAP) measurements and filling of structured questionnaires. Fluoroscopy times were significantly (p = 0.0001) longer before starting these measurements (median 4.3, mean 5.2 min) than during them (median 3.2, mean 3.6 min), which indicates a Hawthorne effect. Fluoroscopy times did not increase during the DAP measurement period up to 21 barium enemas and a study period of up to 45 days per radiologist. Previous fluoroscopic radiation measurements based on action during an analysis period may be biased towards too short fluoroscopy times and too low doses. Radiation measurement, even if not scientifically indicated, seems a practical way of reducing doses.