Evaluation of radiology Technologist's knowledge about the principles of radiation safety and parameters affecting radiation dose in teaching hospitals of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences

Due to the performance of all stages of imaging processes with ionizing radiation by radiology technologists, they have an effective role in controlling radiation and preparing quality images. In this regard, their knowledge and job skills are necessary to create images with appropriate quality along with the minimum amount of radiation. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the level of knowledge of radiology technologists about the parameters affecting radiation dose in teaching hospitals of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences. 

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire including demographic characteristics of technologists and questions related to the level of knowledge designed by the researchers of the study, with the participation of 94 radiology technologists in the radiology centers of Ahvaz teaching hospitals. Data were analyzed using using SPSS 24 software and ANOVA and two independent samples t-test.

In this study, the average self-assessment score of the respondents in all areas of knowledge and skills of radiologists is 75.67 and 67.15%, respectively, and therefore at the desired level. The highest knowledge score was related to choosing the appropriate radiation conditions and the lowest scores were related to how to work with the PACS system. According to radiologists, knowledge of radiography techniques and skills in it is very important. There was a statistically significant relationship between gender and knowledge score and type of employment and skill score so that the level of awareness in women was higher than men and people with contract employment gained higher awareness scores.

The results of this study showed that the level of knowledge and skills of radiology technologists working in radiology departments of Ahvaz is acceptable. Holding in-service training courses and continuous evaluation of radiologists and providing the necessary conditions to access up-to-date scientific information for them can be effective in optimizing the quality of images and doses received by patients.