Knowledge, attitudes and practice in the field of the radiation protection of medical radiology engineers in radiotherapy

Znanje, stavovi i praksa u oblasti zaštite od zračenja kod inžinjera medicinske radiologije u radioterapiji

Abstract

Introduction: The engineers of the medical radiology in radiotherapy are key professional group directly responsible for reliable delivery of radiation therapy treatment and the implementation of radiation protection measures in practice. Therefore, their knowledge and skills in this area need to be adequate and up to date. The aim of this research is the assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practice in the field of radiation protection among the engineers of medical radiology employed in radiotherapy centers within the public healthcare system in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Material and methods: The research was conducted on a sample of 30 engineers of medical radiology using a structured questionnaire which contains demographic data and sets of 10 questions related to radiotherapy devices, radiation protection in radiotherapy, risks and incidents related to use of ionizing radiation and the role of medical radiology engineers in radiation protection system.
Results: The results of the research show optimal level of knowledge in the field of radiation protection (74.66%) and optimal level of awareness of the risks associated with the use of ionizing radiation (72%). The level of knowledge and awareness is significantly higher among respondents with longer working experience and those who have completed master’s degree and postgraduate education in the field of radiation protection. The application of ionizing radiation protection measures in practice has been assessed as satisfactory (2,3). Respondents are not sufficiently involved in the work of regulatory bodies (26.7%), decisionmaking (23.3%), development of procedures (23.3%) and education of other employees in the field of radiation protection (2.7%).
Conclusion: Engineers of medical radiology are not fully involved in the radiation protection system as educated and trained professionals. One of the most important professional interests of engineers of medical radiology is adequate influence on the processes in the field of radiation protection.