Patient perspectives on ionising radiation exposure from computed tomography in Saudi Arabia: a knowledge and perception study

The objective of this study was to evaluate patient knowledge and understanding of ionising radiation and dosage, as well as the accompanying risks related to computed tomography scans. A total of 412 outpatients who underwent computed tomography (CT) scans were surveyed to assess their understanding of radiation dose and exposure risks. CT was correctly classified as an ionising radiation by 56.8% of the respondents. More than half of the patients reported that a CT scan increases the probability of inducing cancer. Awareness of varying radiation doses in different CT exams was noted in 75.2% of patients, but only 21.4% reported having discussions with their physician about radiation dose. Gender, age and employment were significantly correlated with knowledge levels. The survey findings indicate a limited understanding of the hazards associated with ionising radiation used in CT scans, highlighting a need for increased awareness and education on radiation protection to ensure informed consent.

Medical Radiation Safety and COVID-19 Knowledge and Awareness among UAE Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Radiologic examinations are valuable tools in the evaluation of COVID-19. A patient-centered care approach encourages patient involvement in decision-making related to their health management. Therefore, patients should have basic knowledge about their disease and its evaluation tools. Therefore, the purpose of this prospective study is to evaluate the public level of knowledge and awareness regarding COVID-19 and radiation safety in the UAE. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using an online questionnaire (Google platform). The data collection instrument contained close-ended questions in both Arabic and English. The questions aimed to collect demographic information and to measure the level of knowledge and awareness of COVID-19 and radiation safety. The questionnaire was distributed online using different social media platforms. Results: A total of 1548 participants have completed the questionnaire; 84% were females and 16% were males. The participants’ average age was 24 years. Sixty-eight percent of the participants showed a high level of awareness of the COVID-19 pandemic, while most of the participants (51%) only showed a low level in the radiation safety awareness section. Factors such as Emirates of residence and passively receiving awareness information were shown to predict knowledge and awareness level. Conclusions: The UAE public was found to have a high level of knowledge and awareness about the COVID-19 disease. However, the same could not be said about radiation safety. More effort should be put towards raising the public’s knowledge and awareness about the risk of radiation in order to enable them to participate actively in decisions regarding the radiologic management of their disease.

The need to increase patient awareness of radiation exposure in imaging modalities: A study on the awareness and attitude of patients

BACKGROUND

A decline in requests for unnecessary imaging can be achieved through increased patient awareness about imaging modalities and can thus reduce radiation exposure. This study aimed to evaluate patient awareness and attitude about radiation exposure in various imaging modalities.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed on 900 patients and used a 12-item questionnaire, of which 824 were fulfilled and analyzed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 18.

RESULTS

The age of respondents ranged from 18-82; most participants were male (71.5%). The highest patient-estimated radiation exposures were for radiology, CT scans, and mammography. More than 20% of individuals believed that ionizing radiation (IR) is used in MRI, and 60% stated that IR is not used in mammography. Results show a significant statistical difference between attitude and behavior of respondents on the question about knowing who to address questions to in regard to amount of radiation, but they asked the person who is more accessible such as a radiology technologist instead of a medical physicist (P < 0.05). In addition, there was significant statistical difference between question 3 (X-ray is used in which method of radiation?) and question 4 (scoring of radiation exposure in each of the imaging modalities; Score one means no radiation, score has more than one meaning of rays), which indicates accuracy of responses of referees (P <0.05). 73.4% of individuals agree about the importance of reduction of radiation during imaging, and most of the individuals (87%) tended to be aware of radiation exposure in each of imaging modalities.

CONCLUSION

Given the low patient awareness about imaging modalities and radiation dose, it is recommended to prepare brochures and guidance about radiation exposure and absorbed doses in each modality, to be provided and displayed in imaging clinics.