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Granata C, Briers E, Candela-Juan C, Damilakis J, De Bondt T, Faj D, Foley S, Frija G, de Las Heras Gala H, Hiles P, Pauwels R, Sans Merce M, Simantirakis G, Vano E, Gilligan P. European survey on the use of patient contact shielding during radiological examinations. Insights Imaging 2023; 14:108. [PMID: 37336849 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-023-01452-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Contact shielding (CS) of patients during X-ray studies has been used for decades to protect radiosensitive organs. This practice has not changed much despite increasing evidence that CS is not useful in many cases. The Gonad And Patient Shielding (GAPS) group-founded by representatives of the main European bodies involved in radiology-promoted this survey to assess the current practice of CS among European radiology departments and the attitude towards a non-shielding policy. METHODS Over a four-month period (15 May-15th September 2021) European Society of Radiology and European Society of Paediatric Radiology radiologist members were invited to respond to a web-based questionnaire consisting of 59 questions. RESULTS 225 centres from 35 countries responded to this survey. CS was routinely applied in at least one radiological modality in 49.2% of centres performing studies in adults, 57.5% of centres performing studies in children, and 47.8% of centres performing studies on pregnant women. CS was most frequently used in conventional radiography, where the most frequently shielded organs were the gonads, followed by thyroid, female breasts, and eye lens. 83.6% respondents would follow European recommendations on the use of CS when provided by the main European bodies involved in radiology. CONCLUSIONS This review shows that CS is still largely used across Europe. However, a non-shielding policy could be adopted in most departments if European professional societies provided recommendations. In this regard, a strong commitment by European and national professional societies to educate and inform practitioners, patients and carers is paramount. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT According to this survey expectations of patients and carers, and skepticism among professionals about the limited benefits of CS are the most important obstacles to the application of a no-shielding policy. A strong commitment from European and national professional societies to inform practitioners, patients and carers is fundamental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Granata
- Department of Paediatric Radiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Erik Briers
- Member ESR‑Patient Advisory Group, Patient Advocate, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Cristian Candela-Juan
- European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Centro Nacional de Dosimetría (CND), Instituto Nacional de Gestión Sanitaria, Valencia, Spain
| | - John Damilakis
- European Society of Radiology - EuroSafe Imaging, Vienna, Austria
- University of Crete, Iraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Timo De Bondt
- European Society of Radiology - EuroSafe Imaging, Vienna, Austria
- VITAZ, Department of medical physics, Moerlandstraat 1, 9100, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
- AZ Sint-Blasius, Department of medical physics, Kroonveldlaan 50, 9200, Dendermonde, Belgium
| | - Dario Faj
- European Radiation Dosimetry Group, Neuherberg, Germany
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Shane Foley
- European Society of Radiology - EuroSafe Imaging, Vienna, Austria
- European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, Belgium
- Radiography and Diagnostic Imaging, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Guy Frija
- European Society of Radiology - EuroSafe Imaging, Vienna, Austria
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Peter Hiles
- Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, UK
| | - Ruben Pauwels
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Marta Sans Merce
- European Radiation Dosimetry Group, Neuherberg, Germany
- Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Georgios Simantirakis
- European Radiation Dosimetry Group, Neuherberg, Germany
- Greek Atomic Energy Commission, Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Eliseo Vano
- European Society of Radiology - EuroSafe Imaging, Vienna, Austria
- Radiology Department, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrick Gilligan
- European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles St., Dublin, Ireland
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2
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Hughes H, Logan C, Webster A, Hiles P. BIR POSITION STATEMENT: Governance requirements for Non-Medical referrers to radiology. Br J Radiol 2022; 95:20220749. [PMID: 36314737 PMCID: PMC9733618 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20220749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to request clinical imaging is included in many advanced roles of health-care professionals in the UK and is seen as a useful component in ensuring patients receive the right care, by the right person, at the right time. In order that diagnostic imaging referrals are appropriate, timely and safely made, the British Institute of Radiology has produced a position statement on the governance requirements covering clinical imaging requests from non-medical referrers (NMRs). This document is intended to help define the role of a NMR and to ensure they are practising responsibly and safely, within professional and legal frameworks, as part of the wider interprofessional team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Hughes
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, North Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Cristiona Logan
- Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland, Ireland
| | - Amanda Webster
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, England, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Hiles
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, North Wales, United Kingdom
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3
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Hiles P, Gilligan P, Damilakis J, Briers E, Candela-Juan C, Faj D, Foley S, Frija G, Granata C, de Las Heras Gala H, Pauwels R, Sans Merce M, Simantirakis G, Vano E. European consensus on patient contact shielding. Insights Imaging 2021; 12:194. [PMID: 34939154 PMCID: PMC8695402 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-021-01085-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient contact shielding has been in use for many years in radiology departments in order to reduce the effects and risks of ionising radiation on certain organs. New technologies in projection imaging and CT scanning such as digital receptors and automatic exposure control systems have reduced doses and improved image consistency. These changes and a greater understanding of both the benefits and the risks from the use of shielding have led to a review of shielding use in radiology. A number of professional bodies have already issued guidance in this regard. This paper represents the current consensus view of the main bodies involved in radiation safety and imaging in Europe: European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics, European Federation of Radiographer Societies, European Society of Radiology, European Society of Paediatric Radiology, EuroSafe Imaging, European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS), and European Academy of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology (EADMFR). It is based on the expert recommendations of the Gonad and Patient Shielding (GAPS) Group formed with the purpose of developing consensus in this area. The recommendations are intended to be clear and easy to use. They are intended as guidance, and they are developed using a multidisciplinary team approach. It is recognised that regulations, custom and practice vary widely on the use of patient shielding in Europe and it is hoped that these recommendations will inform a change management program that will benefit patients and staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hiles
- Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, UK.
| | - Patrick Gilligan
- European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Mater Private Hospital, Eccles St., Dublin, Ireland
| | - John Damilakis
- European Society of Radiology - EuroSafe Imaging, Vienna, Austria.,University of Crete, Iraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Eric Briers
- Member ESR-Patient Advisory Group, Patient Advocate, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Cristian Candela-Juan
- European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Centro Nacional de Dosimetría (CND), Instituto Nacional de Gestión Sanitaria, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dario Faj
- European Radiation Dosimetry Group, Neuherberg, Germany.,Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Shane Foley
- European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, Belgium.,Radiography and Diagnostic Imaging, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Guy Frija
- European Society of Radiology - EuroSafe Imaging, Vienna, Austria.,Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Claudio Granata
- European Society of Paediatric Radiology, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Hugo de Las Heras Gala
- European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Ruben Pauwels
- Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marta Sans Merce
- European Radiation Dosimetry Group, Neuherberg, Germany.,Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Georgios Simantirakis
- European Radiation Dosimetry Group, Neuherberg, Germany.,Greek Atomic Energy Commission, Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Eliseo Vano
- European Society of Radiology - EuroSafe Imaging, Vienna, Austria.,Radiology Department, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Hiles P, Gilligan P, Damilakis J, Briers E, Candela-Juan C, Faj D, Foley S, Frija G, Granata C, de Las Heras Gala H, Pauwels R, Sans Merce M, Simantirakis G, Vano E. European consensus on patient contact shielding. Radiography (Lond) 2021; 28:353-359. [PMID: 34953726 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Patient contact shielding has been in use for many years in radiology departments in order to reduce the effects and risks of ionising radiation on certain organs. New technologies in projection imaging and CT scanning such as digital receptors and automatic exposure control (AEC) systems have reduced doses and improved image consistency. These changes and a greater understanding of both the benefits and the risks from the use of shielding have led to a review of shielding use in radiology. A number of professional bodies have already issued guidance in this regard. This paper represents the current consensus view of the main bodies involved in radiation safety and imaging in Europe: European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics, European Federation of Radiographer Societies, European Society of Radiology, European Society of Paediatric Radiology, EuroSafe Imaging, European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS), and European Academy of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology (EADMFR). It is based on the expert recommendations of the Gonad and Patient Shielding (GAPS) Group formed with the purpose of developing consensus in this area. The recommendations are intended to be clear and easy to use. They are intended as guidance, and they are developed using a multidisciplinary team approach. It is recognised that regulations, custom and practice vary widely on the use of patient shielding in Europe and it is hoped that these recommendations will inform a change management program that will benefit patients and staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Hiles
- Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, UK.
| | - P Gilligan
- European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Mater Private Hospital, Eccles St., Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - J Damilakis
- European Society of Radiology, EuroSafe Imaging, Vienna, Austria; University of Crete, Iraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - E Briers
- Member ESR-Patient Advisory Group, Patient Advocate, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - C Candela-Juan
- European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Centro Nacional de Dosimetría (CND), Instituto Nacional de Gestión Sanitaria, Valencia, Spain
| | - D Faj
- European Radiation Dosimetry Group, Neuherberg, Germany; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Osijek, Croatia
| | - S Foley
- European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Radiography & Diagnostic Imaging, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - G Frija
- European Society of Radiology, EuroSafe Imaging, Vienna, Austria; Université de Paris, France
| | - C Granata
- European Society of Paediatric Radiology, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - H de Las Heras Gala
- European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - R Pauwels
- Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - M Sans Merce
- European Radiation Dosimetry Group, Neuherberg, Germany; Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - G Simantirakis
- European Radiation Dosimetry Group, Neuherberg, Germany; Greek Atomic Energy Commission, Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - E Vano
- European Society of Radiology, EuroSafe Imaging, Vienna, Austria; Radiology Department, Complutense University, Spain
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5
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Hiles P, Gilligan P, Damilakis J, Briers E, Candela-Juan C, Faj D, Foley S, Frija G, Granata C, de Las Heras Gala H, Pauwels R, Sans Merce M, Simantirakis G, Vano E. European consensus on patient contact shielding. Phys Med 2021; 96:198-203. [PMID: 34955383 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient contact shielding has been in use for many years in radiology departments in order to reduce the effects and risks of ionising radiation on certain organs. New technologies in projection imaging and CT scanning such as digital receptors and automatic exposure control (AEC) systems have reduced doses and improved image consistency. These changes and a greater understanding of both the benefits and the risks from the use of shielding have led to a review of shielding use in radiology. A number of professional bodies have already issued guidance in this regard. This paper represents the current consensus view of the main bodies involved in radiation safety and imaging in Europe: European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics, European Federation of Radiographer Societies, European Society of Radiology, European Society of Paediatric Radiology, EuroSafe Imaging, European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS), and European Academy of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology (EADMFR). It is based on the expert recommendations of the Gonad and Patient Shielding (GAPS) Group formed with the purpose of developing consensus in this area. The recommendations are intended to be clear and easy to use. They are intended as guidance, and they are developed using a multidisciplinary team approach. It is recognised that regulations, custom and practice vary widely on the use of patient shielding in Europe and it is hoped that these recommendations will inform a change management program that will benefit patients and staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hiles
- Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, UK.
| | - Patrick Gilligan
- European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Mater Private Hospital, Eccles St., Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - John Damilakis
- European Society of Radiology - EuroSafe Imaging, Vienna, Austria; University of Crete, Iraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Eric Briers
- Member ESR-Patient Advisory Group, Patient Advocate, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Cristian Candela-Juan
- European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Centro Nacional de Dosimetría (CND), Instituto Nacional de Gestión Sanitaria, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dario Faj
- European Radiation Dosimetry Group, Neuherberg, Germany; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Shane Foley
- European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Radiography & Diagnostic Imaging, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Guy Frija
- European Society of Radiology - EuroSafe Imaging, Vienna, Austria; Université de Paris, France
| | - Claudio Granata
- European Society of Paediatric Radiology, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Hugo de Las Heras Gala
- European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Ruben Pauwels
- Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Marta Sans Merce
- European Radiation Dosimetry Group, Neuherberg, Germany; Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Georgios Simantirakis
- European Radiation Dosimetry Group, Neuherberg, Germany; Greek Atomic Energy Commission, Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Eliseo Vano
- European Society of Radiology - EuroSafe Imaging, Vienna, Austria; Radiology Department, Complutense University, Spain
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6
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Abstract
The practice of placing radiation protective shielding on patients ('in contact') in order to reduce the dose to certain radiosensitive organs for diagnostic X-ray examination, has been employed for decades. However, there has been a growing body of evidence that this practice is often ineffective or even counterproductive and the use of such shielding can also overemphasise the hazards of ionising radiation in the public mind. This has led to a growing disparity in the application of patient contact shielding and culminated in several professional bodies issuing guidance and statements to provide a consistent approach to patient contact shielding. This, in turn, has led to a healthy discussion and re-evaluation of when and why patient contact shielding should be used, where the main issue centres around the criteria used to arrive at the recommendations. The decision process involves considering, among others, the reported effectiveness of the shielding and a subjective assessment of the subsequent risks from their use. In order to improve the transparency of these recommendations, it is therefore suggested that a threshold for dose and/or risk should be clearly stated, below which no protection is required. A suggested starting point for defining this threshold is discussed. This would enhance uniformity of application and provide clarity for staff, patients and the public. It would also ensure that any future research in this area could be easily incorporated into the general guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hiles
- Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, United Kingdom
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7
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Abstract
The main aim of the study was to assess the current level of radiation dose from computed tomography scanning in the NHS in Wales and to compare these results with previous studies in Wales and the UK. In addition, the relationship between patient dose and image quality was investigated by comparing mean patient dose calculations with image noise using two quality assurance (QA) phantoms. The results show that although the introduction of spiral scanners has reduced the dose per examination, the collective dose per scanner has actually increased. The results also highlight the potential for relating dose and objective measures of image quality to assist in the selection of scanning parameters to optimise dose without compromising image quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Hiles
- North Wales Medical Physics, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, UK.
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8
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Abstract
We have measured the brightness (luminance) of the light spot produced by 105 Macintosh 3 laryngoscope blades (33 bulb, 72 fibrelight) using a Hagner photometer. An estimate of the minimum luminance required for laryngoscopy (circa. 100 cd.m-2), was determined using a laryngoscope adapted to provide a variable light output. Five (15%) of bulb blades and 24 (33%) of the fibrelight blades failed to meet this minimum level. A new bulb blade produced brighter lighting conditions (maximum 700 cd.m-2) than a new fibrelight blade (max. 500 cd.m-2). In total, 61 (84%) of the fibrelight blades and three (9%) of the bulb blades were found to provide a light spot that encompassed areas of luminance below 30 cd.m-2, which is a level for comfortable reading. The light spot from a mains-powered fibreoptic bronchoscope was found to be four times brighter (2000 cd.m-2) than a new battery-powered fibrelight laryngoscope.
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