Better safe than so ray: national survey of radiation protection amongst interventional radiology trainees in the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the provision and use of radiation personal protective equipment (PPE) and dosimetry amongst UK interventional radiology (IR) trainees and highlight areas of improvement in order to enhance the radiation safety. METHODS: A survey questionnaire was designed by members of the British Society of Interventional Radiology (BSIR) trainee committee via survey monkey and distributed to UK IR trainees via the BSIR membership mailing list, local representatives and Twitter. The survey was open from 04/01/2021 to 20/02/2021. Only IR trainees in years ST4 and above were included. RESULTS: Of the 73 respondents, 62 qualified for analysis. Respondents (81% male) spent a median of 5.5 sessions (half day list) per week in the angiography suite and 58% (n=36) had difficulty finding appropriately sized lead aprons at least once a week. Overall 53% (n=33) had concerns about their radiation PPE. Furthermore 56% of trainees (n=35) experienced back pain among other symptoms attributed to wearing the lead aprons available to them. 77% (n=48) regularly wore lead glasses. For trainees requiring prescription glasses (n=22) overfit goggles were provided however 17 (77%) of these trainees felt the goggles compromised their ability to perform the procedure. Eye and finger dosimeters were used by 50% and 52% of respondents respectively. Compliance with body dosimetry was 99%. CONCLUSION: Provision of radiation PPE and dose monitoring for IR trainees is suboptimal, particularly access to adequate eye protection or suitably fitting leads. Based on the findings of this survey, recommendations have been made to promote the safety and radiation awareness of IR trainees. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Radiation protection practices for IR trainees nationally are poor. Provision of suitable eye protection and well fitting lead body protection is low.

Barriers to research in interventional radiology within the UK.

AIM: To identify these barriers to research within interventional radiology (IR) and suggest potential solutions to support IR academia within the UK and beyond. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic survey was compiled using Google Forms and distributed to the British Society of Interventional Radiology (BSIR) members by email and through social media (Twitter). The survey was open between 15 October 2021 and 15 December 2021. Questions included prior research experience and qualifications, research interests and barriers to research development. The data were analysed in Microsoft Excel 365. RESULTS: One hundred and six responses were received with the majority from junior (42.5%) and senior radiology trainees (25.5%). Eight-three percent had not undertaken formal research qualifications with 56.4% stating they would like to undertake a PhD or MD; 81.1% stated they planned to be involved in research. The most common perceived barriers were lack of time (64.2%), lack of research experience (61.3%), and lack of senior supervision (58.5%). CONCLUSION: Developing and supporting the academic IR infrastructure is vital to ensure the future of IR. Radiology trainees have shown interest in being involved with IR research and undertaking formal research training. Additional support from local hospitals, national societies, and the Royal College of Radiologists are required.