In plain language
In 39 interventional cardiologists, surgeons and theatre nurses at one Japanese hospital, recorded doses were lower in the year after VR radiation safety training than after lecture-based training, and staff rated VR higher; workload was not controlled.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Randomized trial
- Who was studied
- Interventional cardiologists, Orthopedic surgeons, Nurses
- Size
- n = 39 medical professionals
- Where
- Japan
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
Interventional cardiologists in Group A had about half the recorded dose in the year after VR training compared with baseline.
Key figures: 51.3% reduction, 18.84 to 9.18 mSv, Cohen's d = 3.62
Surgeons and theatre nurses in Group A also had lower recorded doses in the year after VR training.
Key figures: Surgeons 59.9% (14.81 to 5.94 mSv); theatre nurses 47.7% (4.78 to 2.50 mSv)
In the crossover arm, dose reductions appeared in the year VR training was received, after a smaller change during the didactic year.
Key figures: Group B interventional cardiologists 19.69 to 11.42 mSv (41.9%) after VR in Year 2
Self-reported satisfaction was higher for VR training than didactic training.
Key figures: 4.8 ± 0.4 vs 3.6 ± 0.7, p < 0.001
Self-reported confidence in applying radiation safety practices rose more after VR training than after didactic training (2.8 to 3.6).
Key figures: 2.9 ± 0.6 to 4.5 ± 0.4, p < 0.001
Limits to keep in mind
Small single-hospital study of 39 staff with no adjustment for workload or case complexity between years, unverified dosimeter placement and self-reported satisfaction and confidence; the stated eye-lens outcome conflicts with dosimeters placed on aprons, and a case-mix p of 0.049 was interpreted as similarity.
Related research summaries
- Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
- Occupational radiation exposure to nursing staff during cardiovascular fluoroscopic procedures: A review of the literature (2018, Narrative review)
- Radiation-Induced Noncancer Risks in Interventional Cardiology: Optimisation of Procedures and Staff and Patient Dose Reduction (2013, Narrative review)
- Radiation exposure of eyes, thyroid gland and hands in orthopaedic staff: a systematic review (2012, Systematic review)
- AST Standards for Ionizing Radiation Exposure (Guideline or consensus statement)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the full text of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 3, 2026.