Paediatrician awareness of radiation dose and inherent risks in chest imaging studies--a questionnaire study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess paediatricians' knowledge regarding radiation exposure of chest imaging.


METHODS
German paediatricians were surveyed using a questionnaire. Participants were asked to estimate effective dose (ED) of radiographs (CR) and computed tomography (CT). Further questions included dose-saving of paediatric CT-protocols, ALARA principle, and awareness of the link between radiation and cancer development. Length and type of occupation and amount of ordered procedures were evaluated.


RESULTS
137 paediatricians participated with 59% and 39% correctly estimating ED of an adult (0.01-0.1mSv) and newborn CR (0.01-0.1mSv), respectively. ED of an adult chest CT (1-10mSv) was underestimated by 28%, whereas ED of cardiac CT (10-100mSv) was underestimated by 54%. 35% of participants correctly estimated ED of a chest CT in an infant (10-100mSv) which was underestimated by 56%. Neither length nor type of occupation showed significant impact on dose estimations. 14% of paediatricians stated that MRI causes radiation, whereas 4% correctly estimated the potential of paediatric CT-protocols. 15% were familiar with the ALARA principle and 26% were aware of a publication concerning radiation and malignancy.


CONCLUSIONS
Paediatricians demonstrated an increased level of awareness compared to previous surveys. However, estimation of ED of CT remained difficult. Increased information transfer and education seem pressing in the light of increasing radiological examinations.
Heyer
Christoph M
CM
Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Berufgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil GmbH, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp Platz 1, Bochum, Germany. christoph.heyer@rub.de
Hansmann
Jan
J
Peters
Sören A
SA
Lemburg
Stefan P
SP
D005858:Germany; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires