ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the awareness, implementation, and application of the Radiation Shielding Specification for Radiotherapy Room, Part 3: Radiotherapy Room of γ-Ray Sources (GBZ/T201.3—2014) by medical institution personnel, to collect problems and recommendations, and to provide a scientific basis for further amendments and implementation of the standard. Methods A questionnaire survey about the awareness, training and application situation and the modification advices of the standard was conducted among practitioners engaged in the production, use, and machine room design related to γ-ray source radiotherapy equipment (collectively referred to as medical institution personnel) in 12 provinces and direct-administered municipalities in China. The questionnaires were collected and a special Excel database was set up for statistical analysis using SPSS 22.0. Results A total of 126 practitioners responded and completed the questionnaire. Approximately 75.4% of respondents indicated that they either “understood” or “understood well” the standard; 42.86% received relevant training; 45.24% and 54.76% indicated that the standard “met” or “basically met” the requirements of detection of γ-ray radiotherapy equipment shielding or design of shielding room. The standard was highly evaluated for suitability. However, the awareness of the standard was inadequate, the rate of training participation was low, and its practical application was limited. Conclusion The standard generally aligns with the requirements for shielding room design in γ-ray radiotherapy. Some revisions should be done according to the current situation of γ-ray radiotherapy.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the actual situation and problems faced by radiological professionals in implementing The Specification of Radiological Protection Assessment for Occupational Hazard in Construction Project Part 2: Radiotherapy Facility (GBZ/T 220.2—2009). Methods A questionnaire survey was performed on radiological professionals who were selected, using the multi-stage stratified sampling method, from those who had participated in the assessment for occupational hazard in the construction project of radiotherapy facility from seven provinces and cities in China. A descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyze the general information and the awareness, promotion, and implementation of the standard of the participants. The chi-squared test was used to compare the data of different regions. Results A total of 173 radiological professionals from seven provinces and cities were investigated. They had a relatively high awareness rate (98.8%) of the standard, but a relatively low training and promotion rate (65.3%) of the standard. There were no significant differences in the awareness rate and the training and promotion rate between different regions (χ2 = 2.743, P = 0.602; χ2 = 5.584, P = 0.061). The use frequency of the standard was relatively low among the radiological professionals, and 64.9% of them thought that it was necessary to revise the standard, especially to further refine the scope of application, key technical indicators such as assessment methods, and radiological protection management regulations. Conclusion The training and promotion of the standard should be strengthened among radiological professionals. Some key technical indicators in the standard should be clarified and refined.