Radiation Safety Perceptions and Practices Among Pediatric Anesthesiologists: A Survey of the Physician Membership of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia

BACKGROUND: Pediatric anesthesiologists are exposed to ionizing radiation from x-rays on an almost daily basis. Our goal was to determine the culture of safety in which they work and how they adhere to preventative strategies that minimize exposure risk in their daily practice. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board waiver and approval of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia's research and quality and safety committees, an electronic e-mail questionnaire was sent to the Society's physician, nontrainee members and consisted of questions specific to provider use of protective lead shielding, the routine use of dosimeters, and demographic information. Univariate analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test for ordinal variables, the Fisher exact test for categorical variables, and the Spearman test to analyze correlation between 2 ordinal variables, while a proportional odds logistic regression was used for a multivariable ordinal outcome analysis. P values of <.05 were considered statistically significant. results: twenty-one percent of the surveyed anesthesiologists completed online questionnaire. radiation exposure is ubiquitous and regardless sex most respondents either concerned or very about however women significantly more than men odds ratio confidence interval p=".002)." despite this independent level concern was not associated with use a dosimeter .85 lead glasses thyroid shield .12 dosimeters rarely never used mandated in only institutions. virtually none had ever taken safety course received personal dose report notification their knew how many millirem safe. half female while pregnant tried to avoid by requesting be assigned cases requiring x-rays. these requests honored time. discussion: universal ionizing from x-rays pediatric do routinely adhere strategies designed limit intensity work institutions which culture exists. our study highlights need improve education change within operating rooms imaging suites fully investigate utility shielding eye measures anesthesia practice. accepted for publication july funding: none. authors declare no conflicts interest. supplemental digital content available article. direct url citations appear printed text are provided html pdf versions article on journal website g. m. whitney j. thomas contributed equally share first authorship. brief summary statement: routine safety. reprints will authors. address correspondence james md children hospital colorado e ave b090 aurora co e-mail james.j.thomas international research society>

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