Abstract
M.Tech. (Radiography)
The advent of digital radiography (DR) poses the risk of unnoticed increases in patient dose. Radiological imaging of paediatric patients is extremely valuable however; special considerations need to be taken into account. The increased radiation sensitivity of growing organs and longer life expectancy, make paediatric patients more susceptible to the harmful effects of radiation. In order to prevent harmful effects of ionising radiation, the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle should be adhered to. Although advancements in DR have the potential to reduce patient dose, lack of knowledge will result in the overexposure of paediatric patients.
Radiographers must be prepared for the technological advancements in radiography and must be adequately trained. The outcome of radiography training programmes should be for radiographers to evolve within the profession and become problem-solvers within the departments. This study sought to answer the question: What is the level of knowledge and practice of radiographers regarding paediatric radiation doses and exposure indices in digital radiography?”
The aim of this quantitative non-experimental, descriptive study was to explore and describe the knowledge and practice of radiographers regarding paediatric DR dose protocols in Gauteng. This study was guided by three objectives: (1) to assess the knowledge of radiographers regarding paediatric radiation dose protocols in DR, (2) to determine if this knowledge translates into safe radiation practice according to international guidelines and (3) to develop best practice DR protocols guidelines in minimising paediatric dose.
A quantitative, descriptive research approach using a questionnaire with both open-ended and closed questions was utilised. Diagnostic radiographers in Gauteng, South Africa were included in this study.
Sixty-five questionnaires were administered and 61 were returned, which is a 94% response rate. The study was conducted at six radiology departments in Gauteng, which comprised both private and public practices. The findings of this study indicate that the participants had knowledge of paediatric radiation dose protocols and exposure index (EI); however, there is a dire need for training protocols to be...