Author: Yu-Ying Lin 👨🔬
Affiliation: Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou 🌍
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the level of radiation protection knowledge among operating room professional nurses.
Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to operating room professional nurses between April and July 2024. The survey addressed their department, timing of radiological procedures, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), understanding of scatter radiation distribution, and familiarity with radiation protection regulations.
Results: A total of 59 responses were collected. Of these, 23 nurses were involved in image-guided procedures, 32 encountered radiological examinations during or after surgeries, and 4 experienced both scenarios. Only 14 nurses had applied for personal dosimeters, with a 43% usage rate. Most nurses owned lead aprons and thyroid shields; however, those involved in image-guided procedures rarely used lead glasses or other PPE. Despite the frequent use of mobile C-arm fluoroscopy for intraoperative imaging, nurses demonstrated limited knowledge of scatter radiation distribution, with a 44% accuracy rate on related questions. Knowledge of radiation protection regulations was even lower, with only a 7% accuracy rate.
Conclusion: Operating room professional nurses are frequently exposed to radiation but lack sufficient knowledge and practices in radiation protection. To improve workplace safety, targeted educational initiatives are necessary to enhance radiation protection awareness among operating room professional nurses.