Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheung M, Law M, Lau VWH, Chu FSK, Tso WK, Lam WWM, Lam TPW
Affiliation :
Department of Radiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
Introduction :
For nurses and carers working in the interventional radiology (IR) facility, an education program, as part of our departmental clinical safety and quality assurance program, is necessary to ensure radiation safety during fluoroscopy from angiographic embolizations to radioisotope radioembolizations. We share our experience in the education and feedbacks to cope with new patient services using IR techniques.
Objectives :
We would like to share our >10 years of experience on (1) radiation safety education program to nurses and carers joining our IR team; (2) regular training in handling patients undergone radioembolization; (3) enhancement of radiation safety during embolization and radioembolization procedures; and (4) radiation-free environment after IR procedures.
Methodology :
The program is conducted through lectures and demonstrations of radiation dosimeters for scattered X-ray fluoroscopy. We teach them the correct use of personal radiation badge and its monthly return for dose readout. Personal protection equipment of lead apron is emphasised while working inside the IR suite. The importance of radiation warning lights and signage at the IR suite entrance are explained. The procedures of radioembolization using 99mTc and 90Y radioisotopes are taught. Radiation surveys for personnel and the IR suite are performed to ensure radiation-free after each radioembolization session.
Result & Outcome :
While radiation safety procedures in fluoroscopy during embolization are less complicated for nurses and carers to understand, procedures in radioembolization need more clinical sessions for on-site training. The main feedback is the concern on the handling patient undergone radioembolization. In our institute, a lead-lined blanket is used to cover the patient’s radioembolized region in order to minimize the radiation to nurses and carers to background radiation level. A radiation safety program is necessary for nurses and carers to be part of our IR team. Our program is continuously refined with their feedback along with new patient service techniques using the IR facility. While clinical applications of radioisotopes using IR is an important part to our healthcare community, an efficient, pragmatic and safe system to handle radioembolized patients by IR nurses and carers should be implemented in order to ensure their best understanding towards the safe use of radiation to our patient services for community satisfaction.
Co-location with:
