Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2023 | Radiotherapy | Original Article
Education and training in radiation protection in Europe: results from the EURAMED Rocc-n-Roll project survey
Authors:
Joana Santos, Shane Foley, Jonas Andersson, João Paulo Figueiredo, Christoph Hoeschen, John Damilakis, Guy Frija, Francisco Alves, Katrine Riklund, Louise Rainford, Ursula Nestle, Jonathan McNulty, Klaus Bacher, Monika Hierath, Graciano Paulo
Published in:
Insights into Imaging
|
Issue 1/2023
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Abstract
Purpose
To analyse the existing radiation protection (RP) education and training (E&T) capabilities in the European Union and identify associated needs, problems and challenges.
Method
An online survey was disseminated via the EURAMED Rocc-n-Roll consortium network and prominent medical societies in the field of radiological research. The survey sections analyse the RP E&T during undergraduate, residency/internship and continuous professional development; RP E&T problems and legal implementation. Differences were analysed by European geographic regions, profession, years of professional experience and main area of practice/research.
Results
The majority of the 550 respondents indicated that RP topics are part of undergraduate curricula in all courses for their profession and country (55%); however, hands-on practical training is not included according to 30% of the respondents. The lack of E&T, practical aspects in current E&T, and mandatory continuing E&T were considered the major problems. The legal requirement that obtained higher implementation score was the inclusion of the practical aspects of medical radiological procedures on education (86%), and lower score was obtained for the inclusion of RP E&T on medical and dental school curriculums (61%).
Conclusions
A heterogeneity in RP E&T during undergraduate, residency/internship and continuous professional development is evident across Europe. Differences were noted per area of practice/research, profession, and European geographic region. A large variation in RP E&T problem rating was also obtained.