Radiation awareness in an Italian multispecialist sample assessed with a web-based survey. Issue 3 (4th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Giaccardi, Marzia; Anselmino, Matteo; Del Greco, Maurizio; Mascia, Giuseppe; Paoletti Perini, Alessandro; Mascia, Paola; De Ferrari, Gaetano Maria; Picano, Eugenio
• Is Part Of: Acta cardiologica. Volume 76:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 307
• Page End: 311
• Publication Date: 2021-05-04
• Subjects: Radiation dose -- radiation risk -- cancer risk -- Survey -- cardiac electrophysiologist -- zero fluoroscopy; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Cardiology; Cardiologie -- Périodiques; Cardiology; Cardiologie; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.12005
• DOI: 10.1080/00015385.2020.1733303
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-5385

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The awareness of radiation doses and risks, also during interventional cardiology procedures, is essential today in order to apply the risk-benefit assessment and to reinforce the principles of justification and optimisation in clinical practice. Methods: A voluntary survey with 10 questions and multiple-choice answers was run on a popular cardiology website (www.cardiolink.it ) independently by a scientific publisher, in order to evaluate the contemporary level of radiation awareness in a multi-speciality sample of physicians in Italy. Results: One thousand eight hundred and sixty-one physicians completed the test. The survey showed good results since both prescribers and practitioners (mostly cardiologists) working in Italy are largely aware of the cancer and non-cancer risks of medical radiation use, regardless of their subspecialty background. Conclusion: Physicians are largely aware of the cancer and non-cancer risks of medical radiation use, regardless of their subspecialty background. However, there is still broad space for improvement; in the future, the awareness of radiation risk is a prerequisite to create a culture of respect for radiation hazard and a commitment to minimise exposure and maximise protection.