Green radiography: Exploring perceptions, practices, and barriers to sustainability

Introduction

Previous research has delved into the attitudes and behaviors of diverse professions regarding environmental sustainability. However, there needs to be more research specifically targeting radiographers. This study aims to survey radiographers' perceptions, practices, and barriers to change concerning environmental sustainability in radiology.

Methods

Institutional ethical approval was obtained (IRB–COHS–FAC-110-2024) and data collection was conducted using Google Forms (Google Inc., Mountain View, CA). The survey targeted 104 practicing radiographers across several countries. Questions were structured around five domains to gather insights into demographics, training in global warming and climate change, perceptions of sustainability and climate change, sustainability barriers, and current radiology practices on sustainability. Data analysis utilized descriptive and d inferential statistics.

Results

One hundred and four radiographers completed the study. Females had a significantly higher attendance rate in environmental protection campaigns (P = 0.01). The majority of respondents (68%) believe in climate change's knowledge and impact on the natural world. Our survey findings demonstrate that 74% of respondents believe there's a need to improve sustainability practices. The most commonly used strategies to decrease energy consumption and emissions were low-energy lighting (60%), real-time power monitoring tools (41%), and energy-efficient heating systems (32%). A significant concern regarding sustainability emerges among respondents: time (50%) and lack of leadership (48%) are prevalent concerns among the identified barriers.

Conclusion

Participants are recognising the importance of environmental sustainability in radiology, but lack of leadership, support, authority, and facility limitations hinder their adoption.

Impact on practice

Radiology must prioritize environmental sustainability by providing resources and training for radiographers and collaborating with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and environmental experts to develop comprehensive strategies for a sustainable healthcare system.