Occupational radiation protection awareness of orthopaedic theatre healthcare professionals in Malta.

Abstract

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (1991) has documented the risks of occupational health hazards during radiological procedures. This risk is especially high in the case of fluoroscopically guided procedures; particularly at a time when the number and variety of orthopaedic surgical procedures utilising fluoroscopic assistance are constantly on the increase. This research study was designed to investigate the level of awareness of healthcare professionals in the orthopaedic theatre with regards to occupational radiation protection and hence assess the learning needs of theatre personnel. The results of this study indicated that various occupational radiation protection measures are not being adopted by orthopaedic theatre healthcare professionals. However the majority of healthcare professionals wish for formal occupational radiation protection education. The researcher also concluded that radiographers have a higher level of occupational radiation protection awareness than other healthcare professionals.