180 G . Rincón et al .: Radioprotection 2024 , 59 ( 3 ), 173 – 183
For the participants , implementing and understanding these measures is based on learning that has been acquired academically , which influences their work behaviour and has a solid basis in radiological protection . The participants are aware that the use of PPE must always be a primary prevention measure ; however , they should never be used as the only strategy for prevention and risk control , but rather as an intervention in the hierarchy of controls in protection .
On using the principles of radioprotection , Alex stated : ‘ The dosimeter , plus the gloves ...’.
Ana : ‘ The dosimeters with the range , collimation , shielding , and a closed door ’. Lucy : ‘ The remote control in the rooms ’. Raul : ‘ Collimators , walls , and radio protection standards ’. Gladys : ‘ Whenever there is a buzzer ’. These stories establish that the workers actions are based on the measure of shielding . However , participants mentioned that the walls in the past were not the same , and now they are more resistant and regulatory compliance and requirements have changed .
Participants described the measures used to reduce the chances of becoming ill in the long term . Ana said : ‘ We are prone to cancer ...’.
The principle of radio protection that contemplates the optimal use of radiation is the ‘ As Low As Reasonably Achievable ’ ( ALARA ) principle , although workers fear for themselves and consider the situations that may expose their body , thereby inducing changes . It is one ’ s obligation to minimise exposure and prevent harm .
3.5 Equipment and technology use
In this analysis , equipment and technology use was conceived from the hired work , from professionalism and from assistance . The following questions were associated with this chapter and serve to guide its interpretation :
Can you say the eleven training items required by Resolution 482 of 2018 in Colombia ?
What do you know about the training programme in radiation protection and safety ?
Whenever equipment is going to be used , do you use the manuals ?
Do you use instructions for handling , cleaning , precaution , isolation , demarcation ? Inverse square envelope , what is how you define it ? Figure 5 represents the structure provided by the data . To understand the use of equipment and technologies among the participants , characteristics derived from the workplace environment , assigned functions , and use of technology were considered . When defining the behaviours that follow , we found comments such as those from Gladys : ‘ One manually places the voltage , for children one option , for someone thin another , for a fat person another , you know ...’.
This description demonstrates that manual programming can cause errors associated with subjectivity , or administrative errors , which depend on the understanding of individual anatomy and use of lower or higher voltage doses .
As for prioritising care , Gladys commented : ‘ I don ’ t have any buts , they bring me the name of the patient and that is my priority ’.
Lucy : ‘ In three minutes you are handing over the results and then you get the patient to smile , to thank me , this is everything , it is amazing ’.
Ana : ‘ We can handle a higher kilovoltage which is penetration in a short time , so that we don ’ t repeat a patient ’.
The participants stated that they fulfilled their assigned functions , highlighted their work , and prioritised care when it is up to them . The patient is the priority , and the participants described acting quickly when required . For the participants in this study , the use of equipment and technologies in the work environment involves the use of techniques and procedures required to achieve patient care .
Follow-up and adherence to functions is monitored , as Ana mentioned : ‘ We have parameters for wrist and foot with so much time , it depends on thickness ’.
Gladys : ‘ I perform special studies , the other partner does portable , and another one does surgery ’. Lucy : ‘ We all rotate : portable , special , surgeries ’. Raul : ‘ I work in conventional , angiography , and tomography services ’. Alex : ‘ One could improve contrast ; I never hesitated if I had to do 3,4,5,6 to better see the pathology ’. Gladys : ‘ Now you take several shots and you choose the one you want ’.
When any manipulation occurs by man , the possibility of error is considered . These descriptions demonstrate that manual programming can cause errors associated with subjectivity , or administrative errors , which depend on the understanding of individual anatomy and use of lower or higher voltage doses .
The participants declared that new technologies are better and relate time to exposure , suggesting the inclusion of protective measures used in health activities , with the basic principles of radioprotection put into practice .
All these perceptions , arguments , languages , and behaviours are based on the perspective of the participant , and can therefore be influenced by particular interests and desires , although must be considered from different perspectives , whether by manipulation or the use of smaller magnitudes while maintaining what is technically proposed in the diagnostic process . However , workers are influenced by their feelings and perceptions , while understanding the cognitive process comprising recognising , deciphering , and giving meaning to make judgements based on impressions derived from the physical and social environment , where learning , memory , and symbolisation intervene .
The use of new technologies was mentioned in the following comments .
Ana : ‘... equipment with sensors , we don ’ t use chassis , we have to keep in mind which part the right part is directed to in order to avoid confusion ’. Raul : ‘ The equipment today is more sophisticated ’. Gladys : ‘ We have very modern equipment , they print everything , you don ’ t have to think too much ’. Lucy : ‘ They are good , the delay is minimal and the exposure is less ’. The consequences of radiation risk were expressed by several participants . Raul : ‘ Cardiology is where one is irradiated the most ; this is the problem with angiography ’.