Evaluation of awareness and knowledge of CT technologists regarding diagnostic reference levels in Iran

The diagnostic reference level (DRL) is a powerful tool for dose optimization in every radiological examination. This research aimed to assess the level of knowledge and awareness regarding radiation protection and DRLs among 102 CT technologists in various hospitals across Iran. A questionnaire including 20 multiple-choice and open-format questions was devised and distributed among 115 CT technologists in medical imaging departments in various hospitals in Iran. The questionnaire was divided into demographic information, general radiation protection knowledge, and DRL knowledge. A response rate of 88.69% was achieved. Regarding radiation protection knowledge concerning CT, about 56.9% of participants exhibited awareness of the dose display on the CT machine’s console, and about 78.4% selected the correct dosimetric unit’s expressed CT dose. Unexpectedly, 90.2% of participants failed to define the concept of dose optimization. A significant relationship (p < 0.05) was observed between radiographers’ radiation protection and DRL knowledge with a level of education, type of hospital, and work experience. Also, the results indicate a relationship between radiographers’ DRL knowledge and their tendency to join training courses. Regarding knowledge of the DRLs, 26.5% of participants exhibited awareness of DRLs in CT practice, while 49% and 76.5% of participants were unable to correctly identify DRLs’ concept and function. Because the dose delivery is the CT technologist’s responsibility, techniques that could improve the CT technologist's knowledge of radiation dose must be provided to reduce patient dose in accordance with the ALARA principle of radiation protection. These techniques can include training and re-training courses, additional lectures, self-directed learning, and teaching files.