Do health professionals who refer for a CT scan have an understanding of the biological effects of radiation and the risks of radiation dose?

Abstract

Background: Computed tomography (CT) scans are a common imaging modality widely used for diagnostic purposes in contemporary clinical medicine. However, CT scans are associated with a risk of radiation exposure to the patient and there are concerns that over-use of such imaging may represent a greater level of risk to patients. A risk-benefit analysis of CT imaging requires knowledge of radiation dose and the risks of radiation doses to patients among referring physicians. Aim: The aim of this review is to evaluate the knowledge of referring physicians regarding radiation dose and dose effects associated with CT scans in practice. Methods: A systematic literature review was undertaken to address this aim, using online databases. Key search terms were applied focusing on literature published from 2010–2020 with a focus on knowledge of doses or risks linked to CT examinations among referring physicians and radiologists. Results: The results comprised nine primary studies that evaluated knowledge of radiation dose or effects on the patient relating to CT scans. The findings suggested that knowledge of radiation dose associated with CT scans was often poor and lower among referring physicians than radiologists. Conclusion: Poor knowledge of radiation doses was suggestive of the need for training in this area and reflected the potential for poor risk-benefit evaluation during imaging referral processes.There is a need for further training to support appropriate CT examination referrals in practice, including clinical decision support tools to promote a favourable risk-benefit balance during imaging.