P-81 The Level of Radiation Dose and Safety Awareness among Non-radiologist Physicians at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI)

Methods: The knowledge with regard to radiation safety of non-radiologist physicians at the UHWI was assessed using a modified pre-tested survey. Medical staff from Senior House Officers to Consultants were eligible to participate. The survey was made available via the administrative staff in each department at the hospital, who distributed it via departmental mailing lists. Participants responded via a secure online platform, Survey Monkey, via which data were collected and secured.

Results: The distribution of respondents was, Residents - 56.3%, Medical Officers – 25.8% and Senior House Officers – 17.7%. There were no Consultant respondents. Scores for general knowledge questions (19 total) were: Resident - 4 to 10 (average – 6.9, s.d. 1.7), Medical Officers - 3 to 16 (average – 7.2, s.d. 2.9) and Senior House Officer - 4 to 16 (average – 7.6, s.d. 3.1), all groups averaging less than 50% correct responses. With regard to attitudes and practices, there were no differences, with 50% of respondents giving mainly satisfactory responses. A majority of physicians stated that increased knowledge of patient radiation dose exposure would alter current practices, as well as increasing their understanding of patient radiation dose and safety awareness.

Conclusion: The data revealed a lack of knowledge regarding patient radiation dose and safety awareness. Nevertheless, physicians stated that they would like to learn more about this area, and it would subsequently influence the way that they request radiological investigations in the future