The influence of revised ordinance on radiation protection management in Japanese hospitals: device deployment and involvement of radiology technologists.

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluates the impact of the 2021 revision of Japan's Ordinance on the Prevention of Ionizing Radiation Hazards on radiation protection practices, focusing on the deployment of radiation protection devices and the involvement of radiology technologists in Japanese hospitals.

Methods: A two-phase web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among hospitals registered as training facilities with the Japanese Radiological Society. The survey included 53 questions covering facility information, radiation worker management, training, and working environment.

Results: The use of lens-specific dosimeters significantly increased post-revision (p = 0.005). Protective eyewear availability showed minor improvements, particularly in angiographic rooms (p = 0.019). The involvement of radiology technologists remained high in angiographic rooms but showed no significant changes in endoscopy and fluoroscopy rooms. Larger hospitals exhibited better compliance with protective measures, though gaps in resource allocation persisted.

Conclusion: The ordinance revision led to significant improvements in dosimeter usage but only minor changes in protective eyewear deployment and technologist involvement.