Attitude and Knowledge of Physicians and Nurses About Ionizing Radiation

The purpose of this study was to describe physicians' and nurses' knowledge and attitude about the potential dangers of imaging tests. The study comprised 144 participants; 68 physicians, and 76 nurses. Over 70% of the physicians reported that to complete their diagnosis, they always sent patients for ionized testing. Most of the physicians and nurses indicated that they knew that these tests could cause cancer and genetic changes. Over 80% of the medical staff did not know the amount of environmental radiation that was equal to an x-ray test or computed tomography scan. Thirty percent of the respondents noted that they did not protect the patient's sensitive organs during radiation procedures. As for the physicians and nurses in the invasive unit, they did not follow precise instructions for self-protection from exposure to radiation while working. There is a necessity to follow up on quantity of exposure to x-ray and computed tomography scan radiation for all patients and to promote physicians' and nurses' knowledge about protection from exposure to radiation.