Assessment of Radiation Safety Knowledge among House Staff Exposed to Fluoroscopic Radiation

AbstractIntroduction:Urologists are increasingly exposed to fluoroscopy as minimally invasive techniques continue to proliferate. Fluoroscopy, or electromagnetic radiation, can cause cellular damage. Appropriate knowledge of safety precautions for fluoroscopy are necessary and ideally should be taught to physicians in training.Methods:A 20-question survey was created to assess radiation safety training, knowledge, behavior and attitudes. The survey was sent via REDCap™ to house staff routinely involved in fluoroscopic cases, including urology, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, radiology, general surgery, anesthesia, plastic surgery, cardiology, vascular surgery, and gastroenterology residents and fellows.Results:Of 218 participants 61 (28%) responded during the 3-week study period. Overall 57% reported learning fluoroscopic radiation safety informally, with 28% receiving informal as well as formal education. Concerning directional x-ray travel and exposure only 20% answered correctly. In terms of conditio...