An inventory of biomedical physics elements-of-competence for reducing risk to the conceptus.

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to carry out a comprehensive literature search regarding plain imaging of pregnant patients and to develop a structured inventory of biomedical physics elements-of-competence for the reduction of risks to the conceptus in plain imaging of pregnant patients. Methodology: The method of data collection was document analysis. The literature regarding the imaging of pregnant patients and associated risks to the conceptus was subjected to rigorous analysis. Examples of policies, guidelines and protocols were collected. The text of documents was analyzed using a purposely designed decision flowchart and the detected elements-of-competence categorized according to the following thematic categories: a) elements-of-competence regarding biological effects of radiation on the conceptus. b) elements-of-competence for justification and patient counseling. c) elements-of-competence for optimization in plain imaging of pregnant patients: general considerations. d) elements-of-competence for optimizing and modifying protocols for imaging the pelvic region to reduce risk to the conceptus. e) elements-of-competence regarding data to be recorded in order to be able to estimate risk to the conceptus. Results: The results were presented as a structured inventory of the biomedical physics elements-of-competence necessary and sufficient for the imaging of pregnant patients in plain radiography. Conclusions: This study has produced the first structured biomedical imaging physics inventory of elements-of-competence for plain radiography which radiographers should acquire before they are consented to image pregnant patients. The inventory is designed to be a pragmatic tool to guide curriculum development. Lectures and CPD courses can be organized to enhance student and professional radiographers' knowledge regarding pregnant patient imaging. It is suggested that the inventory should be further extended to include fluoroscopic studies, CT and RNI.