Perceptions of Radiation Safety Culture Among Radiography, Computed Tomography, And Mammography Technologists.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate determinants of radiation safety culture among radiologic technologists to determine whether factors related to the primary imaging modality affect the perception of workplace radiation safety.

Methods: A secondary analysis was performed on deidentified data from 425 radiologic technologists collected with the Radiation Actions and Dimensions of Radiation Safety (RADS) questionnaire, a 35-item survey with valid and reliable psychometric properties. The data included radiologic technologists working in radiography, computed tomography (CT), and mammography. Descriptive statistics were used to report RADS determinant outcomes by imaging discipline, and 1-way analysis of variance and Games-Howell post hoc tests were conducted to analyze the hypothesis.

Results: Mean differences in the radiologic technologists' perceptions of teamwork across imaging stakeholders pertaining to radiation safety were found (P < .001). Mammographers had the most favorable perceptions of teamwork compared with radiographers and CT technologists.

Discussion: Collaboration in mammography between imaging stakeholders is dictated by professional practice standards and federal law. The resultant engagement might influence mammographers' perceptions of radiation safety. Additional research is warranted to determine if perception differences exist among technologists in other modalities and whether intentional collaboration drives improved perceptions of radiation safety culture.

Conclusion: An analysis of the collaborative actions in the mammography department is needed, and the findings could be applied in radiography and CT to improve perceptions of radiation safety-related teamwork.