Lead contact shielding has been an essential element of patient radiation protection since its introduction in the early 1900s. The European Consensus Statement (ECS) on Patient Contact Shielding argues that diagnostic radiation doses have decreased to negligible levels. Given the potential for lead shielding to be misaligned or displaced, the ECS recommends refraining from its use to prevent the occurrence of repeated radiation exposures. This study aims to describe the awareness of radiographers concerning the European Consensus Statement with emphasis dedicated to shielding outside the FOV or out-of-field shielding (OFS).
An online survey was designed to assess radiographer's awareness and attitudes to the ECS. This survey incorporated quantitative and qualitative elements. The survey was distributed to a target population of registered radiographers.
There were 112 participants who registered as Irish radiographers. Seventy-nine (71 %) participants knew of the European Consensus publication on patient contact shielding. Eighty-one (72.3 %) participants agreed that the risk from ionising radiation in general radiography exams is negligible. Seventy-two (63.4 %) participants felt more training should be provided on OFS. Thirty-two (28.6 %) participants agreed that some patients are more sensitive to ionising radiation, and shielding may be the safest action.
The results of this study indicate that responding radiographers are aware of the European Consensus Statement and largely agree with its recommendations to discontinue the use of shielding during low-dose X-ray examinations. Additionally, the study reveals that most radiographers do not employ lead shielding in various common clinical practice scenarios.
Further investigation is required to evaluate radiographer's attitudes toward contact shielding. Future research might explore the psychological impact on patients, infection concerns, departmental protocols, and discomfort related to contact shielding.