title: Internet-based ICRP resource for healthcare providers on the risks and benefits of medical imaging that uses ionising radiation.
abstract: The purpose of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Committee 3 Working Party was to update the 2001 web-based module 'Radiation and your patient: a guide for medical practitioners' from ICRP. The key elements of this task were: to clearly identify the target audience (such as healthcare providers with an emphasis on primary care); to review other reputable sources of information; and to succinctly publish the contribution made by ICRP to the various topics. A 'question-and-answer' format addressing practical topics was adopted. These topics included benefits and risks of imaging using ionising radiation in common medical situations, as well as pertaining to specific populations such as pregnant, breast-feeding, and paediatric patients. In general, the benefits of medical imaging and related procedures far outweigh the potential risks associated with ionising radiation exposure. However, it is still important to ensure that the examinations are clinically justified, that the procedure is optimised to deliver the lowest dose commensurate with the medical purpose, and that consideration is given to diagnostic reference levels for particular classes of examinations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Manitoba, Section of Nuclear Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1R9, Canada sdemeter@hsc.mb.ca.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Demeter
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Applegate
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, Cluster of Family, Women's and Children's Health, World Health Organization, Switzerland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Perez
mesh_terms: D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000592:standards*; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007390:International Agencies; D020407:Internet; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D000069079:Radiation Exposure; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000592:standards*; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D018570:Risk Assessment
keywords: Health education; Health literacy; Internet; Medical imaging; Radiological protection