A survey of UK standards of radiation protection amongst orthopaedic surgeons

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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate training in radiation protection, awareness of local policies, and current practices regarding safe working with ionizing radiation among UK orthopaedic surgeons. METHODS: A 37-question online survey was distributed to UK orthopaedic resident doctors and consultants through social media platforms. The survey assessed demographics, use of radiation-guided procedures, training, knowledge of safety policies, access to and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and monitoring of radiation exposure. Data were analysed using Stata software and Pearson's Chi-squared test. RESULTS: Twenty-eight consultants and 79 resident doctors responded, comprising 0.4% and 5.3% of the orthopaedic workforce, respectively. Consultants were more likely to have completed formal radiation safety training (93% vs 38%; P < .001) and were more aware of local safety policies (56% vs 9%; P < .001). Access to dosimeters was limited (32% of consultants vs 6% of resident doctors; P < .005), with few receiving exposure feedback (20% of consultants vs 3% of resident doctors; P < .005). Awareness and application of the "as low as reasonably achievable" principles were poor, with 33% of resident doctors unfamiliar compared to 4% of consultants (P < .005). PPE use was inconsistent; 64% of consultants and 41% of resident doctors never used radiation protection glasses, and only 12% of consultants and 1.4% of resident doctors had custom-fitted lead aprons (P < .05). CONCLUSION: This study underscores deficiencies in radiation protection for UK orthopaedic surgeons, particularly resident doctors, highlighting the urgent need for mandatory radiation safety training, improved PPE provision, and monitoring of radiation exposure with regular exposure feedback. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This survey identifies deficiencies in radiation safety training and PPE access among UK orthopaedic surgeons, particularly resident doctors. It highlights the lack of substantial improvements since previous studies, underlining the need for high level systemic changes. The survey advocates for mandatory radiation safety training, consistent monitoring of radiation exposure, and the desire for the establishment of a national registry to record an individual's annual exposure to radiation.

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