Browsing by Author "Papa, S"

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    Awareness of medical radiation exposure among patients: A patient survey as a first step for effective communication of ionizing radiation risks
    (Physica Medica, 2017-11) Ria, F; Bergantin, A; Vai, A; Bonfanti, P; Martinotti, AS; Redaelli, I; Invernizzi, M; Pedrinelli, G; Bernini, G; Papa, S; Samei, E
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    Awareness of medical radiation exposure among patients: A patient survey as a first step for effective communication of ionizing radiation risks
    (Physica Medica, 2017-11) Ria, Francesco; Bergantin, A; Vai, A; Bonfanti, P; Martinotti, AS; Redaelli, I; Invernizzi, M; Pedrinelli, G; Bernini, G; Papa, S; Samei, Ehsan
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    Awareness of medical radiation exposure among patients: A patient survey as a first step for effective communication of ionizing radiation risks.
    (Phys Med, 2017-11) Ria, Francesco; Bergantin, A; Vai, A; Bonfanti, P; Martinotti, AS; Redaelli, I; Invernizzi, M; Pedrinelli, G; Bernini, G; Papa, S; Samei, Ehsan
    INTRODUCTION: The European Directive 2013/59/EURATOM requires patient radiation dose information to be included in the medical report of radiological procedures. To provide effective communication to the patient, it is necessary to first assess the patient's level of knowledge regarding medical exposure. The goal of this work is to survey patients' current knowledge level of both medical exposure to ionizing radiation and professional disciplines and communication means used by patients to garner information. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was designed comprised of thirteen questions: 737 patients participated in the survey. The data were analysed based on population age, education, and number of radiological procedures received in the three years prior to survey. RESULTS: A majority of respondents (56.4%) did not know which modality uses ionizing radiation. 74.7% had never discussed with healthcare professionals the risk concerning their medical radiological procedures. 70.1% were not aware of the professionals that have expertise to discuss the use of ionizing radiation for medical purposes, and 84.7% believe it is important to have the radiation dose information stated in the medical report. CONCLUSION: Patients agree with new regulations that it is important to know the radiation level related to the medical exposure, but there is little awareness in terms of which modalities use X-Rays and the professionals and channels that can help them to better understand the exposure information. To plan effective communication, it is essential to devise methods and adequate resources for key professionals (medical physicists, radiologists, referring physicians) to convey correct and effective information.
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    CT Scan Dosimetric Parameters Routine Monitoring: First Results of Radiation Dose Optimization Strategies Promptly Provided by a Multidisciplinary Team
    (2015-11-29) Ria, F; Bergantin, A; Redaelli, I; Invernizzi, M; Vai, A; Fazzini, D; Gozzi, G; Papa, S
    CONCLUSION Radiation dose reduction, while saving image quality could be easily implemented with this approach. Furthermore, the availability of a dosimetric data archive provides immediate feedbacks, related to the implemented optimization strategies. Background JCI Standards and European Legislation (EURATOM 59/2013) require the implementation of patient radiation protection programs in diagnostic radiology. Aim of this study is to demonstrate the possibility to reduce patients radiation exposure without decreasing image quality, through a multidisciplinary team (MT), which analyzes dosimetric data of diagnostic examinations. Evaluation Data from CT examinations performed with two different scanners (Siemens DefinitionTM and GE LightSpeed UltraTM) between November and December 2013 are considered. CT scanners are configured to automatically send images to DoseWatch© software, which is able to store output parameters (e.g. kVp, mAs, pitch ) and exposure data (e.g. CTDIvol, DLP, SSDE). Data are analyzed and discussed by a MT composed by Medical Physicists and Radiologists, to identify protocols which show critical dosimetric values, then suggest possible improvement actions to be implemented. Furthermore, the large amount of data available allows to monitor diagnostic protocols currently in use and to identify different statistic populations for each of them. Discussion We identified critical values of average CTDIvol for head and facial bones examinations (respectively 61.8 mGy, 151 scans; 61.6 mGy, 72 scans), performed with the GE LightSpeed CTTM. Statistic analysis allowed us to identify the presence of two different populations for head scan, one of which was only 10% of the total number of scans and corresponded to lower exposure values. The MT adopted this protocol as standard. Moreover, the constant output parameters monitoring allowed us to identify unusual values in facial bones exams, due to changes during maintenance service, which the team promptly suggested to correct. This resulted in a substantial dose saving in CTDIvol average values of approximately 15% and 50% for head and facial bones exams, respectively. Diagnostic image quality was deemed suitable for clinical use by radiologists.
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    Study to Define Frequency in Routine Analytical Controls in the Radiolabelling Process
    (OALib, 2017) Ria, F; Albini, G; Battista, S; Salvatore, V; Messere, R; Gandolfo, P; Armonino, R; Papa, S
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    Study to Define Frequency in Routine Analytical Controls in the Radiolabelling Process
    (OALib, 2017) Ria, F; Albini, G; Battista, S; Salvatore, V; Messere, R; Bergantin, A; Redaelli, I; Bonfanti, P; Martinotti, AS; Gandolfo, P; Papa, S