Radiation Safety Practices and Improvement of Knowledge Level in Intensive Care Unit Working Conditions: An Experimental Study on Nurses

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of radiation safety training developed for nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs). Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on a total of 144 nurses working in the neonatal and pediatric ICUs of two different hospitals. The radiation safety training developed for the nurses of the ICU for the nurses in the training group (n=62) was given face-to-face in 7 sessions in groups of 8-10 people. The data were collected through the descriptive information form and the radiation safety information form, as well as the observations made by the researcher. Results: As a result of the observations, the development of protective behaviors against ionized radiation of the nurses in the training group increased significantly both compared to the control group and pre-training case (p<0.05). It was determined that score averages of radiation safety knowledge levels of intensive care nurses in training group increased significantly. In the last observations, it was determined that there was a significant decrease in the use of some personal protective equipment by the nurses in the training group (p<0.05). Over time, a limited decrease was observed in the radiation safety knowledge levels of the nurses in the training group. Conclusion: It has been concluded that the radiation safety training applied within the scope of the research is an effective method in ensuring the radiation safety of the nurses working in the ICUs. Correct safety practices of employees in ICU units are expected to have a positive impact on patient and employee safety.

Keywords

• nursing
• radiation
• intensive care unit
• training
• protection