Abstract
Purpose: To develop and evaluate a radiation safety program used to educate NICU staff regarding safety procedures to minimize the effects of radiation on the newborn. Background: Advancements in medical care have resulted in infants born at lower gestational ages and higher acuity. With increased acuity comes an increase in diagnostic testing, including radiologic imaging. Although x-rays are necessary, they do not come without risk, including the future development of cancers. Methods: The number of x-rays completed in the NICU over a one-year period, was evaluated prior to the radiation safety program, directly after implementation, and five years postintervention.Results: Prior to the radiation safety program, the mean number of x-rays was 4.2 per patient per NICU admission. Immediately after implementation, the mean decreased to 3.8 per patient, and five years postintervention, the mean significantly decreased to 1.9 x-rays per patient per NICU stay.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 306-312 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Neonatal Network |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2017 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Critical Care
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine