Assessment of Digital Radiography Awareness among the Radiographers Occupied in Isfahan City, Iran

Abstract

Background: Radiographers must be aware of the physical principles and capabilities of digital radiography systems in order to reduce radiation doses, and improve image quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of radiographers in occupied radiology centers in Isfahan City, Iran, regarding digital radiography systems. Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was carried out using a researcher-made valid and reliable questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions about demographic characteristics (age, gender, educational, and work experience), as well as questions about knowledge about radiation protection and physical principles of digital radiography systems. The questionnaires were distributed among 400 radiographers. Findings: The participation rate of radiographers was 57.5%. The average score of the general level of awareness among the radiographers was 40.29 ± 11.88 from 100, and in terms of radiation protection and physical principles of digital radiography systems, were 36.04 ± 16.88 and 44.54 ± 14.52 from 100, respectively. The level of general awareness as well as the level of knowledge about the physical principles had an inverse and weak relationship with the age and work experience of the radiographers (P < 0.05). More than 77 percent of the radiographers expressed their desire to participate in digital radiography courses. Conclusion: Awareness of radiographers about radiation protection and physical principles of digital radiography systems was at a low level. Therefore, with the development and deployment of digital radiology systems, the radiographers should be trained about these systems. Conducting such training classes can reduce radiation dose to patients, and reduce the risks of ionizing radiation.

Keywords

• Digital radiography
• Awareness
• Radiographers