Radiation Protection among South African Diagnostic Radiographers-A Mixed Method Study

Radiopharmaceuticals: navigating the frontier of precision medicine and therapeutic innovation

This review article explores the dynamic field of radiopharmaceuticals, where innovative developments arise from combining radioisotopes and pharmaceuticals, opening up exciting therapeutic possibilities. The in-depth exploration covers targeted drug delivery, delving into passive targeting through enhanced permeability and retention, as well as active targeting using ligand-receptor strategies. The article also discusses stimulus-responsive release systems, which orchestrate controlled release, enhancing precision and therapeutic effectiveness. A significant focus is placed on the crucial role of radiopharmaceuticals in medical imaging and theranostics, highlighting their contribution to diagnostic accuracy and image-guided curative interventions. The review emphasizes safety considerations and strategies for mitigating side effects, providing valuable insights into addressing challenges and achieving precise drug delivery. Looking ahead, the article discusses nanoparticle formulations as cutting-edge innovations in next-generation radiopharmaceuticals, showcasing their potential applications. Real-world examples are presented through case studies, including the use of radiolabelled antibodies for solid tumors, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy for neuroendocrine tumors, and the intricate management of bone metastases. The concluding perspective envisions the future trajectory of radiopharmaceuticals, anticipating a harmonious integration of precision medicine and artificial intelligence. This vision foresees an era where therapeutic precision aligns seamlessly with scientific advancements, ushering in a new epoch marked by the fusion of therapeutic resonance and visionary progress.

The Development and Validation of a Psychometric Tool to Assess Behavioral Factors Impacting Personal Dosimeter Use among Medical Radiation Workers

ABSTRACT

Personal dosimeters are used by medical radiation workers (MRWs) to monitor their radiation dose from external sources and comply with radiation safety guidelines. Nevertheless, there is evidence of inconsistent use of the devices among MRWs. Behavioral factors influencing the use of personal dosimeters have never been explored. Using established behavioral models, we aimed to develop a psychometric tool to measure the behavioral factors influencing dosimeter use and establish its feasibility, reliability, and validity. A 37-item tool was developed based on a qualitative study and review of the literature. The content relevancy was assessed by six field experts before it was piloted and re-tested on MRWs. The construct validity of the tool was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis to confirm its psychometric properties. Face validation was performed by academicians, field experts, and MRWs to enhance the tool's readability. The 37 items in the tool belonged to five constructs in the early phase. However, the validation study revealed a reliable 27 item tool with seven constructs, namely: "Attitude," "Social factors," "Ability to perform if facilitated," "Ability to overcome shortcomings," "Self-efficacy," "Complexity," and "Perceived usefulness." The item-construct validity index of accepted items was >0.83, and Cronbach's alpha for each construct ranged between 0.70 to 0.96, while factor loading for each item was between 0.723 to 0.963. All results were considered "good" and "excellent." The new tool appears to be valid, reliable, and feasible to measure behavioral factors influencing personal dosimeter use among MRWs, which is helpful to facilitate the planning of interventions to improve behaviors in occupational radiation monitoring.