A report on a survey among Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology associates regarding ionizing radiation protection practices in national interventional cath-labs

• Published in: Revista portuguesa de cardiologia 2024-04, Vol.43 (4), p.177-185
• Main Authors: Costa, Hugo, Vinhas, Hugo, Calé, Rita, Pereira, Ernesto, Santos, Joana, Paulo, Graciano, Jorge, Elisabete, Brochado, Bruno, Melica, Bruno, Baptista Gonçalves, Rui, Infante de Oliveira, Eduardo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cardiologia de intervenção; Cardiology - methods; Dosimeter; Dosímetro; Equipamentos de proteção; Humans; Intervention cardiology; Ionizing radiation; Limites de dose; Portugal; Protective equipment; Radiation Dosage; Radiation Injuries - prevention & control; Radiation Protection - methods; Radiação ionizante; Radiography, Interventional; Safety methods; Surveys and Questionnaires; Técnicas de minimização
• ISSN: 0870-2551; 2174-2030; 2174-2030
• DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2023.07.008

Concerns surrounding the consequences of ionizing radiation (IR) have increased in interventional cardiology (IC). Despite this, the ever-growing complexity of diseases as well as procedures can lead to greater exposure to radiation. The aim of this survey, led by Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology (APIC), was to evaluate the level of awareness and current practices on IR protection among its members. An online survey was emailed to all APIC members, between August and November 2021. The questionnaire consisted of 50 questions focusing on knowledge and measures of IR protection in the catheterization laboratory. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. From a response rate of 46.9%, the study obtained a total sample of 159 responses (156 selected for analysis). Most survey respondents (66.0%) were unaware of the radiation exposure category, and only 60.4% reported systematically using a dosimeter. A large majority (90.4%) employed techniques to minimize exposure to radiation. All participants used personal protective equipment, despite eyewear protection only being used frequently by 49.2% of main operators. Ceiling suspended shields and table protectors were often used. Only two-thirds were familiar with the legally established limit on radiation doses for workers or the dose that should trigger patient follow-up. Most of the survey respondents had a non-certified training in IR procedures and only 32.0% had attended their yearly occupational health consultation. Safety methods and protective equipment are largely adopted among interventional cardiologists, who have shown some IR awareness. Despite this, there is room for improvement, especially concerning the use of eyewear protection, monitoring, and certification. A preocupação com as consequências da radiação ionizante tem vindo a crescer na cardiologia de intervenção. O objetivo da Associação Portuguesa de Cardiologia Interventiva (APIC) foi avaliar o nível de sensibilização e práticas atuais na proteção contra a radiação ionizante. Um inquérito voluntário foi enviado por e-mail aos membros da APIC, entre Agosto-Novembro de 2021, que consistiu em 50 questões relativas ao conhecimento e medidas de proteção contra a radiação. Posteriormente foi efetuada a respetiva análise descritiva. Obtiveram-se 159 respostas (46,9% do inquérito enviado) - 156 foram consideradas adequadas para análise. A maioria (66,0%) desconhecia a categoria de exposição à radiação correspondente e apena