Study of application of radiation protection on patient among 7th semester Medical Imaging students
Background of the Study
In the modern world, many people are trying to discover different things that may contribute to scientific knowledge of humans. However, some of these discoveries which are thought to help the society are not that safe to be consumed by the human body, and radiations, specifically ionising radiations are no exemption. It is said that the effects of nuclear radiations on living materials depend on the interaction of the radiations with the material. This in turn relies on the absorption of the radiation and the physical events accompanying such absorptions.
For most people, the word radiation conjures up the horrors of nuclear war, sickness, and death, and the thought of exposure to radiation produces unwarranted fear. Biologists who want to use penetrating radiations in research need to be aware of the hazards of radiation; and they will want to know how different precaution to protect them from its effect can be effectively used. This subject is conveniently discussed in the form of a general consideration of the absorption of radiation in matter.
In general, the types of radiation may be arranged in decreasing order of absorbability as alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma particles. Alpha particles are stopped very quickly by a substance placed in the path of an alpha beam, and all of the particles will be stopped within a relatively short distance. Beta particles, on the other hand, are not usually monoenergetic, so that their penetrating qualities produce the absorption. The beta particles do show a finite range, however, and beyond this range no beta particles may be detected. Gamma particles, on the other hand, are never completely absorbed (UNSCEAR, 2000).
In terms of medical aspects, it can be said that th the magnitude of medical radiation exposure is essential, that is. at least 100 times greater than exposure from sources such as fallout from, nuclear power production nuclear weapons explosions as well as occupational exposure and is rapidly increasing. Hence, it presents a substantial opportunity to decrease unnecessary radiation exposures. In line with the newer medical imaging and complex radiation therapy techniques have been introduced, accidental exposures as well as deterministic injuries to patients continue to be reported and there are reports of unnecessary as well asunintended exposures. Information collected by studies have noted that there is great scope for optimization of protection s well as avoidance of unnecessary exposures. Consistent with the Agency’s statutory functions for the establishment of safety standards and provision for their application,.
Primarily, the main purpose of this paper is investigating the application of radiation protection on patient among 7th semester Medical Imaging students.
Research Objectives
In this study proposed research, the author attemopts to conduct a survey among the 7th semester student who have just came back from their practical training. Herein, the author would like to determiune if they have used or apply radiation protection on patient while performing x-ray examination. In this study, the author also attempts to determine if these students know the importance of radiation protection on patient. The importance of this study is to provide data on the radiation protection practice among students.
Literature Review
A number of different types of radiations give rise to similar changes in all living systems. These effects result from ionisations occurring within the living cells. Radiations producing ionisation include alpha, beta, and gamma rays: neutrons; protons; deuterons; and X-rays. Similar cellular changes can also be produced by ultraviolet irradiation. A number of complicated responses follow the exposure of the human body, or for that matter, of any radiations (Mettler & Upton, 1995). These responses may be divided into two types: somatic or body effects sometimes called the deterministic effects which occur in the individual and genetic effects or stochastic effects which are transmitted to future generations (Anonymous, 1993).
The somatic responses in humans include such phenomena as loss of hair; skin disorders; dysfunction of the systems manufacturing blood cells; complete destruction of certain tissues; and induction of malignant growths. The entire subject of somatic responses to ionising radiations is very complex; empirical knowledge extends beyond that which can be explained in terms of the basic cellular events (Mettler & Upton, 1995).
The damaging effect of ionising radiation is apparent from the start. For instance, too much exposure to x-radiation may result to frequent reddening of the skin or in some case loss of hair after hours or days. This effect is sometimes followed by painful radiation burns. The evidences that are used to prove that ionising radiation is harmful to the individuals is the reported 69 cases of skin damaged by 1897, hundreds of cases of x-radiation injuries which was documented in 1902. Another noted effect of ionising radiation is the possibility of the exposed individuals to be prone to cancer. Accordingly, it is said that apparently healed burns that comes from radiation often advances into cancers on the later years. As early as 1922, it has been estimated that more than a hundred radiologist of that time had died of occupationally formed cancers. And after 20 years, the radiologists are tested to suffer an incidence of leukaemia which is nine times the normal rate of patients with leukaemia (ACRP, 1996).
Research Methodoloy
This research study will be conducted under the qualitative paradigm using the qualitative means of data gathering. The data gathering procedures will be compose mostly of key informant interviews and focus group discussion in order to provide in-depth analysis of the research problem. The researcher will also need to find time to review the bulk of studies on topics such as radiation protection regulations, radiation effects on human body and others.
The participants for the key informant interviews will be the students of medical imaging, regarding the study of application of radiation protection on patient among 7th semester Medical Imaging students.
Reference
Advisory Committee on Radiological Protection (ACRP) (1996). Biological Effects of Low Doses of Radiation at Low Dose Rate. ACRP-18. AECB INFO-0654
Anonymous (1993). Sources and Effects of Ionizing Radiation. UNSCEAR 1993 Report to the General Assembly, with Scientific Annexes. New York: United Nations, 1993.
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