In plain language
Across 12 surveys of nurses, radiographers, surgeons, cardiologists, dentists and other clinicians, self-reported radiation protection knowledge was generally poor and protective equipment was not always used. The authors call for standardized national training.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Systematic review or meta-analysis, Systematic review
- Who was studied
- Other physicians, Nurses, Radiologic technologists, Orthopedic surgeons, Other surgeons, Interventional cardiologists, Anesthesia staff
- Size
- n = 12 studies
- Topics
- Training and educationSafety culture and compliancePersonal protective equipmentRegulation and policyDosimetry and monitoring
- Summary based on
- the full text
What it found
Twelve cross-sectional survey studies were included from 566 screened references; most reported poor radiation safety knowledge among healthcare professionals.
Key figures: 566 references; 12 articles
Protective equipment was available in all studies, but not all professionals used it.
Staff with fewer years of experience showed more limited attitudes and behaviour toward radiation protection, linked to lack of training.
Knowledge of regulatory legislation on radiation safety was unsatisfactory; dosimetry knowledge and use were mixed, with one study reporting only half of professionals used dosimeters.
The authors recommend a standardized national radiation protection training program tailored to each profession.
Limits to keep in mind
All 12 included studies were self-report surveys with variable handling of confounding, and results were summarized narratively without pooled quantitative data. The review mixes dentists and other non-fluoroscopy groups with OR and cardiology staff.
Related research summaries
- SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards (2020, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Occupational Radiological Protection in Interventional Procedures, ICRP PUBLICATION 139 (2018, Guideline or consensus statement)
- ICRP Draft - Radiological Protection in Fluoroscopically Guided Procedures (Guideline or consensus statement)
- AST Standards for Ionizing Radiation Exposure (Guideline or consensus statement)
- Radiation safety compliance awareness among healthcare workers exposed to ionizing radiation (2024, Cross-sectional survey)
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.