Development and Evaluation of a Radiation Safety Program in the NICU
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Authors
Wallingford, Kristina
Rubarth, Lori
Issue Date
2017-05-13
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Abstract
Advancements in medical care have resulted in births of decreased gestation and higher acuity. With increased acuity comes an increase in diagnostic testing, including radiologic imaging. Although X-rays are necessary, they do not come without risk including the future development of cancers. To decrease radiation exposure in the NICU, a radiation safety program was developed, implemented, and evaluated over a five-year period. This program focused on staff education which included: evaluating the actual need for radiologic examinations, determining the correct x-ray to be ordered, determining the areas of the body to be exposed, and limiting exposure with proper shielding and positioning. To determine the effectiveness of the program, the number of x-rays completed over a one-year period was collected prior to implementation, directly after, and five years post-intervention. Prior to the radiation safety program the mean number of x-rays completed was 4.2 per patient, directly after implementation the mean decreased to 3.8, and five years post-intervention the mean significantly decreased to 1.9 x-rays per patient per hospital stay. Development of a radiation safety program decreased the amount of radiation patients are exposed to during their NICU stay; therefore, decreasing the risk of developing radiation-induced cancers in the future.
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Creighton University
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Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University