AWARENESS OF PAEDIATRIC RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION AND IMAGING PARAMETERS AMONG GROUP OF SRI LANKAN RADIOGRAPHERS

Abstract

Abstract The present survey evaluated the level of awareness of radiological protection concepts and imaging parameters among Sri Lankan radiographers for the first time. The data were collected using an electronic questionnaire of 22 questions on demographic data, awareness of radiation protection concepts and imaging parameters. Only 84 out of 122 (68.8%) requested radiographers to return the questionnaire. More than 85% had ≥3 years of experience in the radiography field. The average scores for questions on best practices, imaging parameters and radiation protection were 75, 75.8 and 70.2%, respectively, with an overall score of 73.4%. Significant confusion existed on protective shielding, paediatric consenting capability, use of grids and excess X-ray field during paediatric radiography. Although the overall knowledge and awareness of participants on studied concepts were satisfactory, a continuous professional development credit system and implementation of a code of practice are required to improve the quality of radiography practice.