What evidence supports the use of radiation monitors for residents to prevent radiation exposure?

From the Guidelines

Residents should have radiation monitors to ensure their safety and protection from harmful radiation exposure, as emphasized by the importance of tracking cumulative radiation dose for occupationally exposed healthcare workers 1. The use of radiation monitors is crucial in detecting and measuring radiation levels, allowing for prompt action to be taken in case of excessive exposure. This is particularly important for residents who may be exposed to radiation from various sources, including medical imaging procedures. According to the 2018 ACC/HRS/NASCI/SCAI/SCCT expert consensus document, technology exists to measure and track cumulative radiation dose for both patients and occupationally exposed healthcare workers 1.

Key Considerations

• The importance of tracking accumulated radiation dose of occupationally exposed healthcare workers is indisputable, as it is essential for their protection and can indicate a need for corrective action when necessary 1.
• Personal radiation monitors can be worn by medical personnel to measure radiation exposure, and estimates of actual doses delivered to different structures and organs can be calculated from models derived from instrumented phantoms 1.
• The use of radiation monitors can provide early detection of harmful radiation levels, allowing residents to take prompt action before prolonged exposure occurs.
• Modern radiation monitors are increasingly affordable, user-friendly, and can connect to smartphones for easy monitoring, making them a practical solution for residents.

Radiation Exposure Risks

• The health risks of radiation exposure include increased cancer risk, cellular damage, and potential genetic effects, with children and pregnant women being especially vulnerable.
• Radiation exposure can come from various sources, including medical imaging procedures, radon gas, and nuclear facilities.
• Having radiation monitors empowers residents with actionable information about their living environment and provides peace of mind regarding potential radiation hazards that are otherwise invisible and undetectable without specialized equipment. Therefore, it is essential for residents to have radiation monitors to ensure their safety and protection from harmful radiation exposure, as supported by the latest expert consensus document 1.

From the Research

Radiation Monitoring Evidence

• The use of ionizing radiation in medical settings poses a risk to patients, providers, and surrounding staff members, highlighting the importance of radiation safety and monitoring 2.
• Nurses should be aware of the safety issues associated with the diagnostic and therapeutic use of ionizing radiation to work safely and confidently 3.
• Medical workers exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation are at risk of cancer, and those who perform fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures or radionuclides procedures should be monitored carefully 4.
• Exposure to ionizing radiation during childhood increases the risk of thyroid cancer, and similar risk factors have been found after external radiation exposure or internal contamination with radioactive iodine isotopes 5.
• The use of personal dosimeter devices can help record total radiation exposure over time, and creating a culture of safety can encourage compliance with dosimeter usage 6.

Key Findings

• A study found that protocol changes, including the removal of penalties for exceeding recommended dosage and the implementation of monthly educational meetings, led to statistically significant differences in radiation exposure recorded throughout hospital systems 6.
• The same study found that the number of physicians who stated they always used the dosimeter increased after the policy change, highlighting the importance of creating a culture of safety 6.
• Another study found that medical workers exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation are at risk of cancer, and that excess risk of cancer is suspected for high and former exposures 4.

Radiation Monitoring Recommendations

• Residents and medical workers should have access to radiation monitors to ensure their safety and the safety of patients 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• Hospital systems should implement policies and procedures to encourage compliance with dosimeter usage and create a culture of safety 6.
• Medical workers who perform fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures or radionuclides procedures should be monitored carefully due to their increased risk of cancer 4.