Present status of Medical Physics practice in Mexico: An occupational analysis

García-Hernández, Diana; López-Rendón, Xóchitl; Hernández-Bojórquez, Mariana; Herrera-González, José Alfredo; Soberanis-Dominguez, Orlando E.; González-Azcorra, Suemi Alejandra; Cruz‐Bastida, Juan P.

doi:10.1016/j.ejmp.2020.06.008

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…This lack of QAP/QC programs is in line with what was previously reported in Mexico [21]. In addition, the low number of MP workers indicates non-compliance with Mexican mammography regulations regarding the minimum staff of a breast-cancer detection unit [12], and the low number of MPs within the radiodiagnostic field is in accordance with García-Hernández et al's previous report [14].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

“…In Mexico, considering only public institutions, there are around 768 mammography units (digital and analogic equipment), the regulation of which establishes that the minimum staff in each mammography facility should be integrated by a physician (responsible for medical diagnosis), an MP (responsible for semiannual QC), a technologist (responsible for daily and quarterly QC), and a receptionist [12,13]. Unfortunately, nowadays there are only approximately 17 MPs working in all radiodiagnostic areas in Mexico [14]. The absence of QC implementation in mammography challenges the awareness of current medical imaging practice and its possible optimization.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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An evaluation of the present status of quality assurance program implementation in digital mammography facilities in a developing country

González-Ruíz¹,

Mendoza²,

Cuevas³

et al. 2022

J. Radiol. Prot.

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The Quality Assurance Program (QAP) implementation in mammography is a key aspect to guarantee image quality acquisition and, thus, an opportune diagnosis of breast cancer. A QAP involves planned and systematic actions as quality control tests (QC) that will produce consistently high-quality images considering a low radiation exposure for stakeholders. Currently, there is poor evidence of the current QAP implementation status in developing countries, particularly in Latin America. In this work, over the period of October 2021 to April 2022, 47 Mexican digital mammography facilities were evaluated in terms of QAP's current status implementation. A survey of 3 key indicators of compliance / non-compliance of QAP was carried out. Also, 17 QC test parameters were assessed in all mammography units according to an international framework. Kruskal-Wallis, Mc Nemar's tests, and Spearman correlation were used to identify the significant correlation between the QC tests and QAP indicators. The statistical analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the QAP indicators and the QC parameters evaluated, especially associated with an increase in image quality. Almost 90 % percent of the facilities evaluated failed in some QAP indicator and only 44.68 % of the facilities have an updated and current program implemented. The successful QAP implementation directly impacted the QC mammography test results, particularly in terms of image quality; thus, conditioning a successful mammography acquisitions chain. The results obtained in this work suggest that better regulations need to be implemented to guarantee QAP surveillance; which could mean an increase in opportune diagnosis and management of breast cancer with radiological safety for patients and occupational exposure personnel.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An evaluation of the present status of quality assurance program implementation in digital mammography facilities in a developing country

González-Ruíz¹,

Mendoza²,

Cuevas³

et al. 2022

J. Radiol. Prot.

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“…In 1956, the first Co-60 equipment (Theratron Jr) was installed at the National Institute of Cardiology “Ignacio Chávez” and the first clinical physics department was created in the country. [ 1 ] According to the National Commission for Nuclear Safety and Safeguards (CNSNS) and García-Hernández et al .,[ 2 ] there are currently 106 centers licensed to practice teletherapy and 177 institutions licensed in nuclear medicine (NM) in Mexico. In addition, the Ministry of Health (SSA, its acronym in Spanish) reported that 55 centers use hybrid NM imaging equipment, with 71 devices in total in the country, 23 (42%) being in the public sector.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the case of diagnostic and interventional radiology (D and IR), the SSA reported that 793 computed tomography scanners, 1473 mammography units, 187 angiography units, and 316 magnetic resonance scanners operate in Mexico. [ 2 ]…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perception and Recognition of Clinical Medical Physicist Roles and Responsibilities by Specialist Physician Staff: The First Mexican Survey

Bojórquez,

Rendón,

Rojas-López

2023

Journal of Medical Physics

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Introduction: Although medical physics as a profession is recognized as part of the health-care professional workforce by the International Labor Organization, in the Mexican context, the figure of the medical physicist (MP) is often inappropriately associated solely with technical work, leading to perception, recognition, and salary implications. The aim of this study was to explore the perception of medical specialists regarding the role and responsibilities of MPs in clinical practice in Mexico. Methods: A national survey was answered by medical personnel, ranging from residents to qualified specialists in November 2019. The questionnaire consisted of ten questions related to perception of MPs. The survey was open to all medical specialists regardless of their involvement in the use of ionizing radiations or otherwise. Results: It was shown that approximately two-thirds of specialists know and recognize the medical physics profession in hospitals and the roles and responsibilities of MPs. However, 19% of medical specialists considered the standard of service as inadequate. Conclusion: MPs must exert greater efforts to promote their status and enhance the recognition of their contribution to health care. The low level of recognition in diagnostic and interventional radiology and in nuclear medicine in Mexico might be related to nonexistent or unclear documentation and inadequate regulations, policies, or directives promoted by the health-care authorities.

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Academic offer in the UNAM masters degree program in medical physics

Brandan¹

2021

Proceedings of the Xvi Mexican Symposium on Medical Physics

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Present status of Medical Physics practice in Mexico: An occupational analysis

Cited by 4 publications

References 10 publications

An evaluation of the present status of quality assurance program implementation in digital mammography facilities in a developing country

An evaluation of the present status of quality assurance program implementation in digital mammography facilities in a developing country

Perception and Recognition of Clinical Medical Physicist Roles and Responsibilities by Specialist Physician Staff: The First Mexican Survey

Academic offer in the UNAM masters degree program in medical physics

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