Patient safety initiatives of the Medical Exposures Group, Public Health England. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Findlay, Ú.; Best, H.; Fraser, L.; Ottrey, M.; Parkar, N.; Woodhouse, G.
• Is Part Of: Radiography. Volume 22:Issue 1(2016)supplement 1
• Page Start: S20
• Page End: S23
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Patient safety -- Medical exposures -- Legislation -- Radiation protection -- Risk management; Diagnostic imaging -- Periodicals; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Diagnostic Imaging -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Imagerie pour le diagnostic -- Périodiques; Radiothérapie -- Périodiques; Cancer -- Radiothérapie -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2016.10.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-8174

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of everyday clinical practice is to deliver a high quality, safe yet efficient service to the patient that is compliant with current legislation. The ongoing demands facing healthcare professionals in the safeguarding of these cornerstones are well known. Principal areas where medical exposures are employed in the clinical environment include diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. Although professionals within these areas have diverse working practices, common challenges in these modalities are apparent. This includes the well-recognised risks associated with radiation and the need to take account of these during medical exposures. The remit of the Medical Exposures Group (MEG) includes the provision of independent advice on medical and dental radiological practice and radiation safety of practices involving medical exposures of radiation across the UK. The aim of this paper is to describe a number of MEG initiatives relating to patient safety and to demonstrate how it is working to improve radiation protection and patient safety at local and national levels. Highlights: Patient safety and legislative compliance are cornerstones of clinical practice. MEG is an independent resource working to promote patient safety in medical exposures. Cross-over between specialisms in medical exposures is growing.