Abstract
Computer tomography (CT) scanning has drastically evolved since its inception. However, patients who are exposed to low doses of ionising radiation during medical imaging procedures such as CT are still susceptible to developing cancer. Young adults and paediatric patients are also at a greater risk as their organs are more radiosensitive than adults.
The radiation dose accumulated in a typical CT examination is equivalent to approximately that of 50 radiographs. The growing awareness and concern over ionising radiation’s detrimental impact on paediatric and young patients proves that continuous optimisation is imperative. For this reason, the CT acquisition parameters must be optimised to obtain diagnostically acceptable image quality at the lowest possible radiation dose. It is also crucial that radiographers incorporate dose-reduction strategies into their clinical practice.
This study sought to answer the question: What are radiographers’ knowledge, practices and perceptions regarding paediatric CT radiation doses? This quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive study thus aimed to determine and describe radiographers’ knowledge, practices, and perceptions regarding paediatric CT radiation doses in selected public and private hospitals in Gauteng. The study was guided by the following objectives:
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Determine radiographers’ knowledge, practices, and perceptions regarding paediatric CT radiation doses.
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Describe radiographers’ knowledge, practices, and perceptions regarding paediatric CT radiation doses.
The researcher employed a descriptive quantitative survey with a cross-sectional design and closed-ended questions. All diagnostic radiographers registered with HPCSA with a minimum of one year post-community service work experience working in the identified hospitals were included in the study. The sample size used in this study was 125, but the response rate was 50. The study was conducted at five radiology departments in Gauteng, comprising private and public practices. Although some of the response were subjective, the results of this study demonstrated average knowledge of paediatric CT radiation doses among respondents. It also indicated fair radiographic practice and behaviour among the radiographers, and a good perception of paediatric CT radiation doses among respondents was observed. Many radiographers indicated staff shortages, a high volume of patients, and a lack of knowledge of CT paediatric protocols contribute to poor behaviour and practice.
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Radiographers should have comprehensive training opportunities as they play a crucial role in the final stage of radiation protection during medical examinations. Continuous education and training will assist them in maintaining updated CT strategies, radiation dose management techniques, and image quality optimisation, all while minimising radiation exposure.
The researcher also recommends that departmental heads implement paediatric CT imaging guidelines, including CT protocol choices and documenting the patient’s weight, age, and DRLs after every study. This information or log should be audited monthly by the person in charge of quality control. Repercussions should be discussed and established to ensure compliance.