J Korean Med Assoc.  2024 Feb;67(2):134-146. 10.5124/jkma.2024.67.2.134.

Current status of occupational radiation exposure and protection among medical interns and residents

• Cho S
• Lee H
• Kang M
• Lee WJ
• Ko S

• KMID: 2552012
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2024.67.2.134

Abstract

Background
While individuals exposed to radiation in hospitals are typically registered as radiation workers, with regulated exposure levels, many interns and residents who are not registered as radiation workers are occupationally exposed to radiation. This study aimed to assess the current status and awareness of radiation exposure and related protective practices among interns and residents.
Methods
An online survey was conducted nationwide from June 3 to June 16, 2023, engaging 262 interns and 799 residents. Descriptive analyses were conducted to summarize the status of occupational radiation exposure and radiation protection practices.
Results
Approximately 6% of interns and 18% of residents reported receiving personal dosimeters, and 6% and 20%, respectively, were registered as radiation workers. In contrast, compliance with personal radiation protection equipment, such as lead aprons and thyroid shields, exceeded 85% during tasks involving radiation exposure. On average, interns spent 7 months (standard deviation [SD], 2.1) and residents 8.1 months (SD, 4.8) in main departments with potential radiation exposure. While overall safety performance showed improvement, the provision of personal dosimeters and radiation worker registration remained low (14.7%, 16.6%).
Conclusion
Despite improvements in radiation protection education and the provision of personal protective equipment, the registration rate for radiation workers among interns and residents remains low. Ensuring these medical professionals are registered and managed as radiation workers is crucial for prioritizing their safety and well-being.

Keyword

Internship and residency; Radiation; Occupational exposure; 전공의; 방사선; 직업적 노출