2016 Volume 9 Issue 2 Pages 73-78
Objectives: There are no reports pertaining to radiation protection and education in veterinary hospitals that specifically target veterinary nurses. Therefore, we investigated whether veterinary nurses have adequate basic knowledge and understanding of radiation, and whether they are skilled to perform radiation safety practices.
Subjects and Methods: A total of 255 veterinary nurses attending various veterinary nursing seminars were recruited for this investigation. Of these, 230 who specialized in the care of a variety of animals provided valid responses (valid response rate: 90.9%).
Results: When asked the question, “When assisting with X-ray imaging inspection, do you experience anxiety regarding radiation damage?”, 45% of respondents answered that they were “anxious.” Dose monitoring practices were correctly carried out by less than half of respondents. Less than 30% of respondents answered, “I know my exposure dose.”
Consideration: Our investigation revealed that veterinary nurses generally lacked knowledge and understanding of radiation. We suggest that such information should be integrated into undergraduate and postgraduate education curricula. An immediate need is to create a control system for radiation protection. Detailed research will be necessary to ensure proper implementation of educational measures. Moreover, it will be necessary to further improve the efficacy of occupational health activities in veterinary hospitals.
