Effect of Structured Educational Program on Practices of Radiation Safety Measures Among Health Care Providers in Urology Operation Theater

Introduction Endourologists are at increased risk of exposure to radiations. Many studies are available that have studied awareness in doctors in general, but very few studies available regarding any intervention to improve the knowledge of radiation safety measures. We have made an attempt to study the role of an educational intervention to improve the knowledge of our Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) urology operation theater health care providers (HCPs). Materials and methods Our study was an Interventional study (prospective clinical trial), conducted in the Department of Urology, JIPMER from January 2017 to March 2018. All, that is, 40 operation theater HCPs were given a questionnaire as baseline. The baseline response was compared to the response after the Structured Education Program (SEP) by using the same questionnaire. The knowledge of participants before SEP was compared with the knowledge after SEP using the chi-square test. All statistical analysis was carried out at a 5% level of significance and p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Result In our study after SEP, participants use of lead apron has increased from 72.5% to 92.5%, indicating improvement. There is an increase in the use of thyroid shield from 22.5% to 95%. In our study after SEP, knowledge about background radiations improved in participants from 25% to 87.5%. Knowledge about Radiation dose of chest X-ray improved from 22.5% to 52.5%. Knowledge about ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) improved from 47.5% to 95% after SEP. Knowledge that MRI and USG do not have ionizing radiation improved from 62.5% to 97.5%, and from 75% to 92.5% for MRI and USG, respectively, after SEP. Regarding organ sensitivity, 100% HCPs had given correct answers after SEP as compared to 80 before SEP. Conclusion Our study shows that SEP al regular intervals has made significant improvements in daily practice in operation theater HCPs. SEP has increased the use of radiation protective gears among HCP. Hence we recommend SEP at regular intervals for urology operation theater HCPs for a healthy and safe working environment.

Automated summary

The study conducted at JIPMER Department of Urology showed that educational interventions significantly improved the knowledge of radiation safety measures among healthcare providers, leading to increased use of radiation protective gear. Regular structured educational programs are recommended for a healthy and safe working environment in urology operation theaters.