PERCEPTION OF THE RISK OF RADIATION EXPOSURE BY MEDICAL IMAGING AND RADIOTHERAPY TECHNICIANS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Synopsis
Professionals across radiotherapy and medical imaging systematically demonstrate inadequate knowledge of radiation risks, with mean knowledge scores consistently below 50% and widespread underestimation of both radiation doses and cancer risks from common procedures. Evidence from cross-sectional surveys consistently indicates moderate to low levels of risk perception and knowledge about radiation exposure among medical imaging and radiotherapy technicians, with mean knowledge
scores ranging from 42.76/100 to 45.472% pre-intervention improving to 60.472% post-intervention in targeted training studies, and over 90% demonstrating good knowledge of hazards in some cohorts but only 30.4% fully understanding specific occupational hazards. Objectives: This paper addresses a critical gap in understanding technicians' subjective risk perceptions, which directly influence adherence to ALARA principles and occupational safety amid rising medical imaging use. Methodology: A search was conducted in several databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science and b-On), inquiring about perception of the risk of radiation exposure by medical imaging and radiotherapy technicians. Results: Only 23% of radiology professionals knew basic radiation doses from chest radiography, while 50-75% underestimated fatal cancer risks and 95% of cardiologists underestimated cancer risk from myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. Risk perceptions vary substantially by professional role, with radiologists demonstrating significantly better knowledge than technicians or referring physicians, and professional workers in radiotherapy facilities exhibiting higher risk awareness than non-professional workers. These subjective risk perceptions directly influence adherence to ALARA principles and occupational safety. Conclusions: These subjective risk perceptions directly influence adherence to ALARA principles and occupational safety. Formal training consistently improves knowledge and awareness, yet lack of in-service education remains a persistent barrier, with experience alone failing to improve understanding without structured educational interventions.
