Multicenter study assessing ophthalmologist's knowledge towards radiation dose when prescribing CT scans for pediatric patients: A Saudi Arabian perspective

PurposeTo assess the knowledge of ophthalmologists towards computed tomography radiation dosage on children in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Materials and methodsIRB was granted prior to the commencement of this study. Between October 2014 and December 2014, 19 questions were distributed to 462 ophthalmologists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via Survey Monkey online portal. Questions of radiation dose, risk, awareness and education participation were asked and a total score was aggregated. Samples t-test was used to evaluate their understanding of radiation doses of usual radiological investigations by finding out any significant difference from correct answers. Descriptive scrutiny of their understanding of risks of radiation and education were also executed.Resultstotal of 46 questioners (10%) were returned. Physicians performed poorly with knowledge about radiation dose with more than 80% unaware of the ALARA principle, risks and alternative imaging modalities. Education demonstrated only 13% of respondents had any specific teaching towards radiation protection and the significance between years of experience except less than 1 year that the link between radiation exposures during head CT increases the likelihood of malignant tumors (p < 0.05).ConclusionKnowledge of Ophthalmologists towards the risk of radiation exposure in pediatric CT is poor and suggest a propensity of misappropriate radiation use and under-utilization of alternative radiation-free methods. Structured education sessions and deliberation of the radiation dangers with patients are recommended.