An education and training programme for radiological institutes: impact on the reduction of the CT radiation dose

Abstract

Objectives To establish an education and training programme for the reduction of CT radiation doses and to assess this programme's efficacy. Methods Ten radiological institutes were counselled. The optimisation programme included a small group workshop and a lecture on radiation dose reduction strategies. The radiation dose used for five CT protocols (paranasal sinuses, brain, chest, pulmonary angiography and abdomen) was assessed using the dose-length product (DLP) before and after the optimisation programme. The mean DLP values were compared with national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). Results The average reduction of the DLP after optimisation was 37% for the sinuses (180 vs. 113 mGycm, P< 0.001), 9% for the brain (982 vs. 896 mGycm, P<0.05), 24% for the chest (425 vs. 322 mGycm, P<0.05) and 42% for the pulmonary arteries (352 vs. 203 mGycm, P<0.001). No significant change in DLP was found for abdominal CT. The post-optimisation DLP values of the sinuses, brain, chest, pulmonary arteries and abdomen were 68%, 10%, 20%, 55% and 15% below the DRL, respectively. Conclusions The education and training programme for radiological institutes is effective in achieving a substantial reduction in CT radiation dose.

Effect of staff training on radiation dose in pediatric CT

“…They published also a radiation dose reduction while preserving diagnostic image quality in pediatric head CT examinations, after a radiologic staff training [27]. Schindera et al reported the same effect for adult paranasal sinuses, brain, chest, pulmonary arteries, and abdomen CTs [24]. The authors reported that the largest decrease in radiation dose was reached for paranasal sinus and pulmonary arteries scans.…”

“…No significant dose reduction for abdominal CTs was found; suboptimal image quality for low-contrast lesions in abdominal CTs was most likely identified as the reason. Education and training programs for radiological institutes was concluded to be effective in achieving substantial reduction in CT dose [24]. Sheyn et al reported that staff radiation safety education can improve radiation safety practices in pediatric interventional radiology, and thus, decrease exposure to radiation for both staff and patients [22].…”

“…Last but not least, radiation staff education is one of the most efficient ways to enforce scientific "good practice" in radiological institutes and to reduce the radiation dose to patients [22][23][24][25].…”

Izlaganje Populacije Ionizirajućem Zračenju U Medicinske Svrhe: Procjena Rizika, Praćenje, Upravljanje I Izvještavanje O Dozama Zračenja

“…Praksa je pokazala da su ustanove koje su uvele dose management software bile u mogućnosti smanjiti prosječnu efektivnu dozu po CT proceduri za 25-30% [15]. Smanjenjem prosječne efektivne doze i posljedičnim smanjenjem rizika po pacijenta mogu se prevenirati posljedice u smislu razvoja velikog broja malignih bolesti te postići značajne uštede u zdravstvenom sustavu koje daleko prevazilaze cijenu instalacije dose management software-a.…”

Radiation Dose Management in Pediatric CT

“…They should also verify the indication of the dose indicators (CTDI vol , DLP, and dose efficiency parameters) and check if the standard protocols are compatible with the recommended DRL. They should also promote staff coaching in order to increase awareness levels in terms of the dose problematic [60,61]. Medical physicists should clearly explain the impact of the size of the patient on his/her exposure.…”