ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: The use of ionizing radiation in diagnostic radiography might lead to hazards such as genetic work practices on radiation protection could minimize these risks. Thus. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the knowledge and use of radiation safety precautions among healthcare workers (HCWs) of the Diagnostic Radiology Department who are exposed to ionizing radiation in the workplace. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 93 HCWs from Egypt. Data collection was through a quasi-self-administered questionnaire and performance checklist. Safety measures in different units of the Diagnostic Radiology Department were assessed using a workplace observation checklist. Results: More than 90% of the study participants had good knowledge about radiation hazards, and all HCWs reported good knowledge about exposure dose and monitoring. Furthermore, 87% of participants had good knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE), and 74.2% adequately used PPE during work. All doors and walls of Diagnostic Radiology Department units were composed of lead material, and a radiation safety officer was available. Conclusion: The majority of HCWs were aware of occupational health and safety measures and had good knowledge about radiation hazards. All Diagnostic Radiology Departments need to continue professional development by providing more workshops, training courses, preparation, and posters on the protection and safety toward ionizing radiation regarding the most recent regulations to improve the knowledge and performance of their staff.
ABSTRACT
Improving utilization, satisfaction and adherence to a good quality health insurance services is a main target of the recent health policy in Egypt. 1- To explore patients' satisfaction, adherence and suggestions. 2- To design and implement a suitable improving intervention not based on increasing drugs or investigations. 3- To evaluate the effect of this intervention. - Interventional study comparing the post- interventional satisfaction and adherence rates with pre-interventional levels on two multistage random samples of patients utilizing Sharkia main branch outpatient clinics of health insurance, Egypt. The pre-intervention sample was 186 and post-intervention was 194 patients. Initial situation analysis and development of a customer-based evaluation questionnaire were followed by a pre-intervention survey. Based on the results of pre-intervention survey, intervention was designed and implemented. The intervention was training of physicians and nurses on communication skills and ethical consideration, improving waiting environment and making administrative requirements easier. Effect of intervention was evaluated one year later by the same questionnaire. Significant improvement of satisfaction with diagnosis explanation, treatment explanation, keeping privacy, stress on follow up and doctor-patient relationship. Satisfaction with the cleanness and width of waiting area, availability of more seats, suitable drinking water and water closets, waiting period, working hours, administrative steps and clerks communication improved significantly. The overall satisfaction with medical session increased from 57.3% to 73.4% and with environmental and administrative aspects from 43% to 63% and the adherence improved significantly from 87.1% to 95.9%. Simple multi-faceted interventions based on communication, environment and administration can improve patients' satisfaction and adherence to the health insurance services and is recommended to be considered first in improving strategies