Benchmarking radiation protection programs

Results are presented of a modest benchmarking project with eight institutions as part of a program review. Four of the institutions had programs with both research and clinical components. Metrics were derived from the data acquired. They included Registered Users per total Technical Staff (mean 284, SD 42%); Principal Investigators per Senior IP staff (mean 68.7, SD 49.6%); and Principal Investigators per HP staff (mean 44.7, SD 34.4%). Reasons for the differences among institutions were identified. The benchmarking exercise was an effective tool in providing guidance in setting staffing levels.