Research summary, original research, 2026

Radiation Protection Practices Among Medical Students at Two United Kingdom Medical Schools

Tawil A, Al-Bakri A. Cureus. 2026

Read the original paper

In plain language

In a survey of 70 UK medical students attending fluoroscopy-guided theatre cases, only 16% reported prior radiation safety teaching, half reported well-fitting aprons, 41% wore thyroid shields, and one-third felt unsafe. Findings are self-reported.

At a glance

Type of study
Original research, Cross-sectional survey
Who was studied
Trainees
Size
n = 70 medical students
Where
United Kingdom
Summary based on
the full text

What it found

  • Few students had received formal radiation safety teaching before attending theatre.

    Key figures: 11/70 (16%) yes; 56/70 (80%) no

  • Only half reported that their lead apron adequately covered breast and axillary regions.

    Key figures: 35/70 (50%) adequate; 29/70 (41%) not

  • Thyroid shield use was inconsistent.

    Key figures: 29/70 (41%) wore; 34/70 (49%) did not; 7 (10%) intermittent

  • One-third of respondents felt unsafe in theatres where ionising radiation was used.

    Key figures: 22/66 (33%)

  • Many students were not reminded where to stand to reduce exposure.

    Key figures: 30/70 (43%) not reminded

Limits to keep in mind

Small convenience sample recruited via WhatsApp mainly from two UK schools, using an unvalidated nine-item self-report questionnaire with no response rate. Cross-sectional design; no dose measurement and year of study not collected.

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.