Authors (including presenting author) :
Gill JK(1) , Kwong PS (1)(2) ,Yu CW(1)(2)(3), Ng LK (1)(2)(3)(4)
Affiliation :
(1)OPERATING THEATRE, RUTONJEE AND TANG SIU KIN HOSPITAL
Introduction :
INTRODUCTION : TLD is a dosimeter used to monitor a staff exposed to
cumulative X ray on ionizing radiation1 during x ray procedures . Few
incidents such as wearing it incorrectly and bringing the badge while travel induced
this project to be done .
Objectives :
OBJECTIVE :
1. To improve the compliance rate on radiation safety in RTSKH OT
2. Evaluate existing radiation safety protocols and compliance rates.
3. Identify areas of non-compliance and potential risks.
4. Recommend strategies to enhance adherence to radiation safety standards.
Methodology :
METHODS :
Lectures and questionnaires was introduced in Aug 2023 to Dec 2023 to identify risk
factors for implementation of safe usage on TLD badges such as education to all
staffs to integrate proper use of TLD badge during daily practise .To arouse the
staff's awareness on safe usage , promotion activities such as lectures and
checklists were launched .Behavioural reinforcement was one of the main key to
monitor the compliance and regular audits were implemented to evaluate the
workflow and effectiveness of lectures . Spot checks was also conducted on
frequent basis .
Result & Outcome :
RESULTS :
Sample size of nursing and allied health staffs ( Group A ) was 40 and doctors
sample size 10 (Group B ) .During the project , data collected for Group A , 21% of
the sample wore the badge incorrectly while Group B only 10 % wore the badge
during X ray activities .Among the samples , questionnaires were given and 15 %
claimed doesn’t understand the need to wear TLD , 30% expressed too busy while
40 % stated lazy to take from locker .
Compliance rate on wearing TLD badges correctly escalate from 79% to 97 % and
100% for nursing and allied health staffs after the education .For doctors the
compliance rate improve from 10% pre education to 40 % post education .
EVALUATION :
The project was conducted one year ago aiming to assess and improve the
compliance rate related to radiation safety within operating theatre in RTSKH.
The methodology employed a mixed-methods approach, including:
* Analyzed existing policies, procedures, and training materials.
* Observations: Inspected radiation safety practices and equipment usage in
real-time x ray procedures .
Key Issues Identified
1. Lack of Training: A considerable number of staff members reported inadequate
training on radiation safety practices .
2. Inconsistent monitoring : Regular monitoring of compliance was not consistently
enforced, leading to lapses in adherence.
3. Communication Gaps: There were misunderstandings regarding the protocols,
often due to poor communication of updates or changes in procedures.
Recommendations
1. Enhanced Training Programs: Implement regular and comprehensive training
sessions to ensure all staff are well-informed about radiation safety protocols.
2. Monitoring and Reporting: Establish a robust system for regular compliance
monitoring, including scheduled audits and real-time reporting mechanisms.
3. Improved Communication: Develop clear channels for disseminating updates
and changes in safety protocols to all staff members.
4. Documentation Practices : Introduce standardized documentation practices to
ensure that all safety checks and maintenance activities are recorded
systematically.
Public health implications :
The improper use of TLD badge has a potential problem that staffs may be over
exposed to Xray and not monitered according to guidelines .Hence regulatory
compliance through department can maintain the intergrity of the radiation
monitering programme to reduce the risks of under reporting or over reporting of
radiation exposure . As stated , a follow-up audit were done in six months to
evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented changes to ensure continued
compliance with radiation safety standards and the compliance rate was still
maintained at 97 % to 100 % .
References :
1. Radiation health division , department of heath 2020
