1.1 Introduction
Radiography is the use of X-rays to produce images of internal structures of the body for diagnostic purposes. According to Bushong (2021), diagnostic radiography is a vital tool in modern medicine that provides critical information for the detection, diagnosis, and management of various medical conditions. While its benefits are undeniable, radiography involves the use of ionizing radiation, which is a form of energy capable of causing biological damage if safety measures are not properly implemented (International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA], 2018).
Radiation safety and protection measures in diagnostic radiography refer to the practices and protocols designed to minimize unnecessary exposure while ensuring high-quality imaging (World Health Organization [WHO], 2019). Radiation exposure in diagnostic imaging is cumulative, and improper handling or inadequate protection measures is associated with increased risk of tissue damage, genetic effects, and long-term health complications for both patients and radiology personnel.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The use of X-rays in medicine dates back to 1895, when Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered X-rays, marking the beginning of diagnostic radiography as a critical tool in healthcare (Bushong, 2021). Initially, the biological effects of radiation were poorly understood, and early radiographic practices involved minimal protective measures, which led to numerous reports of radiation-induced injuries among practitioners and patients alike (International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA], 2018). Diagnostic radiography is an essential component of modern healthcare that enables clinicians to visualize internal body structures for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
According to Bushong (2021), the practice of radiography relies on ionizing radiation, which, if not properly controlled, poses significant health risks to both patients and healthcare workers. It is reported that occupational exposure among radiologic technologists is a persistent concern, with some personnel receiving doses exceeding recommended safety limits due to inadequate protective measures and lack of adherence to established guidelines (Sulieman et al., 2022).
Researchers have asserted that the use of personal protective equipment, including lead aprons, thyroid shields, and lead glasses, is critical in mitigating radiation exposure, yet compliance with these protective measures is inconsistent across healthcare facilities (World Health Organization [WHO], 2019). Studies have also stated that inadequate training and knowledge gaps among radiology staff contribute significantly to lapses in radiation safety practices. Furthermore, the maintenance and calibration of radiographic equipment is affirmed to play a central role in minimizing unnecessary radiation output, as outdated or poorly functioning devices often emit higher doses than required for optimal imaging (IAEA, 2018).
Sulieman et al. (2022) contended that the absence of regular monitoring of radiation exposure, such as through personal dosimeters and quality assurance audits, limits the ability of facilities to identify and correct safety breaches, thereby increasing the risk of long-term health complications for staff and patients alike (Sulieman et al., 2022). On the other hand, some studies reported that facilities with strict enforcement of radiation safety protocols demonstrate significantly lower incidences of occupational exposure and improved patient safety outcomes, highlighting the importance of policy implementation and staff adherence to best practices (Bushong, 2021). This study is set against the backdrop of these challenges, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of existing radiation safety and protection measures in diagnostic radiography.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that inconsistent use of protective equipment such as lead aprons and thyroid shields is widespread in radiography departments, compromising the well being of patients and staff. Also, existing research indicates that some radiography units lack rigorous monitoring of radiation exposure through personal dosimeters and quality assurance checks.
Furthermore, there is inadequate implementation of radiation protection policies and procedures in some facilities, with staff sometimes unaware of updated guidelines from authoritative bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The absence of systematic audits and enforcement of radiation safety protocols is contributing to a culture where unsafe practices is tolerated or overlooked. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to assess radiation safety and protection measures in diagnostic radiography.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to assess radiation safety and protection measures in diagnostic radiography and recommend strategies for enhancing compliance and reducing occupational and patient exposure to ionizing radiation.
The specific objectives of the study are:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and maintenance of diagnostic radiography equipment in minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure.
- To evaluate the current radiation safety practices among radiology personnel in diagnostic imaging departments.
- To assess the availability and use of protective equipment such as lead aprons, thyroid shields, and dosimeters.
- To examine the adequacy of staff training and awareness of radiation protection guidelines.
- To recommend strategies for improving radiation safety and protection measures in radiography departments.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the current radiation safety practices among radiology personnel in diagnostic imaging departments?
- How adequate is the availability and use of protective equipment in minimizing radiation exposure?
- To what extent are radiology staff trained and aware of radiation protection guidelines?
- How effective is the maintenance of diagnostic radiography equipment in ensuring safe radiation exposure levels?
- What strategies can be implemented to improve radiation safety and protection measures in radiography departments?
1.6 Research Hypotheses
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: There is no significant relationship between the implementation of radiation safety measures and the level of radiation exposure among patients and radiology personnel.
- H02: Effective implementation of radiation safety measures significantly reduces radiation exposure among patients and radiology personnel.
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will inform healthcare administrators and policymakers on measures needed to enhance compliance with radiation protection standards. Also, the study will guide the development of training programs for radiology personnel to strengthen their knowledge and practical application of radiation safety.
Furthermore, the study will provide guidance on resource allocation, policy enforcement, and equipment maintenance for safe radiographic operations. In addition, the study will increase awareness of radiation protection, reducing unnecessary exposure during diagnostic procedures.
Lastly, the study will serve as a reference for further investigations into radiation safety practices and innovations in diagnostic imaging.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the assessment of radiation safety and protection measures in diagnostic radiography, using National Orthopedic Hospital, Lagos State as a case study.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Radiation Safety: Measures and practices designed to protect patients and healthcare workers from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation (Bushong, 2021).
Diagnostic Radiography: The use of X-rays and other imaging techniques to produce visual representations of internal body structures for medical diagnosis (IAEA, 2018).
Protective Equipment: Devices such as lead aprons, thyroid shields, and lead glasses used to minimize radiation exposure (WHO, 2019).
Dosimeter: A device used to measure the cumulative exposure of personnel to ionizing radiation over time (Sulieman et al., 2022).
Radiology Personnel: Trained healthcare professionals, including radiologic technologists and radiographers, responsible for performing imaging procedures.
Radiation Exposure: The amount of ionizing radiation absorbed by a person or object during radiographic procedures (Bushong, 2021).
Compliance: The degree to which staff follow established guidelines, policies, and safety measures in radiation protection.
…
