Radioprotection 2024 , 59 ( 1 ), 30 – 35 © SFRP , 2024 https :// doi . org / 10.1051 / radiopro / 2023042
Available online at : www . radioprotection . org
ARTICLE
Assessment of radiation safety culture among radiological technologists in medical imaging departments in Saudi Arabia
N . Shubayr 1 ,* , Md . Muawwadhah 1 , M . Shami 1 , H . Jassas 1 , R . Tawhari 1 , O . Oraybi 1 , A . Madkhali 1 , A . Aldosari 2 and Y . Alashban 3
1 Department of Diagnostic Radiography Technology , College of Applied Medical Sciences , Jazan University , Jazan 45142 , Saudi Arabia . 2 Radiation Protection Department , Ministry of Health , Riyadh 4545 , Saudi Arabia . 3 Radiological Sciences Department , College of Applied Medical Sciences , King Saud University , P . O . Box 145111 , Riyadh 4545 , Saudi
Arabia . Received : 17 March 2023 / Accepted : 26 November 2023
Abstract – This study aimed to evaluate the perception of radiation safety culture among medical radiological technologists ( MRTs ) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia . The study was performed from June 2022 to February 2023 and involved MRTs from various hospitals and medical centres in Saudi Arabia . A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered and previously validated radiation safety culture survey instrument in medical imaging departments . The survey comprises 11 determinants of radiation safety culture , including personal accountability , teamwork in imaging , teamwork across imaging stakeholders , questioning attitude , feedback loops , organisational learning , leadership actions , non-punitive response , error reporting , radiation policy and overall perception of radiation safety . A total of 496 MRTs participated in this study . Results showed that most of the MRTs were male ( 75.0 %), between 25 and 44 yr old ( 71.0 %), with a bachelor ’ s degree ( 53.2 %) and had less than 5 yr of experience ( 41.1 %). The highest mean scores were for personal accountability ( 4.43 ± 0.62 ) and teamwork in imaging ( 4.22 ± 0.91 ), while the lowest mean score was for non-punitive response ( 2.94 ± 1.01 ). The majority of the MRTs reported good perception for the personal accountability ( 71.8 %), teamwork in imaging ( 56.5 %) and organisational learning ( 46 %) scales ; moderate perception for the teamwork across imaging stakeholders ( 53.2 %), questioning attitude ( 71 %), feedback loops ( 47.6 %), leadership actions ( 74.2 %), error reporting ( 53.2 %), radiation policy ( 54.8 %) and overall perception of radiation safety ( 62.1 %) scales ; and poor perception for the non-punitive response scale ( 45.2 %). Individual and organisational interference are warranted to adhere to a strong radiation safety culture with continuing education . Moreover , repeated measures are necessary to assess for categorical improvement associated with the relevant determinants that are also important to support a positive radiation safety culture .
Keywords : radiation protection / radiology department / radiation safety culture / radiological technologist
1 Introduction
Radiation safety culture ( RSC ) is a broader and more comprehensive concept that encompasses not only the scientific and technical aspects of radiation protection , but also the social and organizational factors that influence the attitudes , values , behaviors and experiences of radiation protection professionals and stakeholders . The consequences of RSC may be influenced by a variety of intrapersonal , interpersonal , organisational , community and policy aspects . The International Radiation Protection Association ( IRPA ) initially introduced the concept of radiation safety culture
* Corresponding author : nshubayr @ jazanu . edu . sa .
( RSC ) in 2008 . The IRPA defines RSC as the combination of scientific and social factors , including knowledge , values , behaviours and experience of radiation protection , in all its applications for patients , workers , the general public and the environment . The Health Physics Society ’ sdefinition of RSC ; “ RSC is the core values and behaviours resulting from a collective commitment by leaders and individuals to emphasize safety over competing goals to ensure protection of people and the environment .” The definitions underline the significance of limiting harmful activities , reducing ionising radiation risks , maximising radiation protection and incorporating all stakeholders while expressing the multifaceted nature of RSC . Taken together , these factors represent a significant responsibility that can be addressed if there is a strong organisational RSC ( Thome , 1987 ; Wrixon et al ., 2003 ).