Presentations 2020: Restorative

365 - Provision of the Risks and Benefits to Patients Relating to Radiation Exposure.

R Devine N Drage
Presented by: Robert Devine
Cardiff Dental Hospital

Standard IR(ME)R17: Schedule 2 Regulation 6 "providing that wherever practicable, and prior to an exposure taking place, the individual to be exposed or their representative is provided with adequate information relating to the benefits and risks associated with the radiation dose from the exposure." Aim This audit assessed whether IR(ME)R Schedule 2 Regulation 6 is being adhered too. Through this the audit aimed to evaluate whether; adequate information regarding risk is provided prior to radiographic exposures and the risks and benefits are explained in an understandable way. Methodology Data was collected prospectively on the radiology department using an anonymous questionnaire. A sample size set at 100 radiograph referrals for both the first and second audit cycle. Following this the data was analysed and compared to the set standard of 100%. Following the first cycle an intervention was introduced to help improve adherence towards the set standard. A second audit cycle to assess progression towards the standard was subsequently carried out. Results Data analysis showed, 68% of Patients were informed of radiation exposure. Of those patients, 95.6% of patients understood the information provided. Adherence and completion of radiograph request form was also good. Despite this on some forms the risk/benefit box were not ticked at all. And a high number of forms showed that the risk box was ticked but the patient claimed to have not been informed. Conclusion While the 68% adherence to providing information with regards to ionising radiation is promising, it does fall short of the set standard. The author does recognise that in some cases the patient may not be able to recall whether they were or were not informed. Despite this however a 95.6% rate of understanding when patients are informed is very encouraging, and shows clinicians do communicate effectively with patients in this regard.
Consent Statement: Written informed consent for publication of their clinical details and/or clinical images was obtained from the patient/parent/guardian. A copy of the consent form is available for review by the the meeting organisers..

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