ECRI: Protect OR staff from radiation
ECRI Institute, an independent health care research firm based in Plymouth Meeting, PA, offered these recommendations for handling radiation hazards in hybrid ORs:
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Verify that all hybrid OR staff (including surgeons) obtain OR-specific radiation protection training and that they put this training into action. Consult with a medical or health physicist when developing your radiation protection and safety program.
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Nominate a member of the hybrid OR team to assume the day-to-day responsibility for verifying that radiation protection policies and procedures are being followed. This role is not to be confused with that of the radiation safety officer (who oversees procedures for the entire organization).
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Assess the adequacy of existing built-in radiation protection infrastructure. Consider implementing additional personal radiation safety equipment as needed, such as specialized radiation shield garments.
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Consider implementing real-time monitoring to ascertain the effectiveness of radiation safety training, particularly if the analysis of badges proves ineffective at determining the cause of — and steps needed to correct — clinician overexposure.
