Radiation oncology, military medicine, radiation protection a Speakers had the opportunity to review this meeting report prior to journal submission. b CBRNE ¼ chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive. 2 https://bit.ly/2ZJO9KH. 3 https://bit.ly/2U8OwdE 4 https://bit.ly/2XYai6h. 5 https://bit.ly/2OWDKpK. 6 https://bit.ly/2P28xl9. 7 https://bit.ly/2I8r7aI. 8 https://bit.ly/2uXqrfQ. 9 https://bit.ly/2I6Dq7r. 10 Where pre-publication data are discussed, the first initial and last name of the presenter who provided the information is shown in parentheses.
Objectives:
The Radiation Injury Treatment Network (RITN) is prepared to respond to a national disaster resulting in mass casualties with marrow toxic injuries. How effective existing RITN workforce education and training is, or whether health-care providers (HCPs) at these centers possess the knowledge and skills to care for patients following a radiation emergency is unclear. HCP knowledge regarding the medical effects and medical management of radiation-exposed patients, along with clinical competence and willingness to care for patients following a radiation emergency was assessed.
Methods:
An online survey was conducted to assess level of knowledge regarding the medical effects of radiation, medical/nursing management of patients, self-perception of clinical competence, and willingness to respond to radiation emergencies and nuclear events.
Results:
Attendance at previous radiation emergency management courses and overall knowledge scores were low for all respondents. The majority indicated they were willing to respond to a radiation event, but few believed they were clinically competent to do so.
Conclusions:
Despite willingness to respond, HCPs at RITN centers may not possess adequate knowledge of medical management of radiation patients, and appropriate response actions during a radiation emergency. RITN should increase the awareness of the importance of radiation education and training.
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