Utilizing Diagnostic Radiology to determine damage from trauma or locate possible tumors can be beneficial to the care of patients. However, there is a risk of developing cancer and other medical conditions as a result of constant exposure to high levels of radiation during these procedures. In an effort to raise awareness about radiation reduction, two campaigns were launched: Image Wisely and Image Gently.
Image Gently
When children are hurt or sick, Medical imaging can provide life-saving results that help physicians sculpt treatment plans. Yet the amount of radiation involved can be harmful, particularly to children, as they are more sensitive to radiation than adults. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this is because their bodies are growing faster and more cells are dividing. This creates the opportunity for radiation to interrupt the cells and cause them to malfunction, possibly resulting in the development of cancer.
Launched in 2008, the Image Gently campaign aims to inform radiologists about steps they can take to reduce the dosages of radiation during pediatric exams. It’s an initiative designed by the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging, a coalition that has grown to more than 40 organizations. Some members include the American College of Radiology, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the Society for Pediatric Radiology.
The campaign’s website has important resources for imaging specialists, physicians and parents to access and learn about radiation reduction. There are instructions for technologists to read about CT exams for children and reducing pediatric radiation doses
Image Wisely
Getting its ground roots at the Radiological Society of North America meeting in 2010, the Image Wisely campaign focuses on informing radiology professionals about the harms of excessive exposure to radiation and keeping patients safe from the possible complications that could arise. It is a collaborative campaign established by the American College of Radiology and the RSNA Joint Task Force on Adult Radiation Protection.
It intends to educate Diagnostic imaging specialists and physicians through educational resources that have been peer reviewed by other professionals. Its goal is to eliminate unnecessary exams, optimize doses of radiation and lower the amount of radiation used. In concurrence with Image Wisely, the ACR updated its radiation risk and benefits primer as a slide-show presentation for users to access and learn from.
The campaign, just like its pediatric cousin, wants U.S. radiologists to pledge to optimize the use of radiation and be added to its database. Additionally, it aims to have all CT scanners be accredited by the ACR and establish a registry for radiologists to share their patients’ radiation doses from exams. This way, dose information can be reviewed and compared to averages, identifying instances of inappropriate or dangerous levels of radiation.
Moving into 2014, it is time for radiologists to focus on improving patient care by reducing dosages of radiation. The Image Wisely and Image Gently campaigns have valuable resources available to Digital Radiography professionals that can educate them about best practices for limiting the dangers of exposure to radiation.
Ronny Bachrach
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