Clinical capability of operating room nurses and surgeons regarding radiation protection protocols in radiation-exposed operating rooms

Radiation protection is among the important issues in the wards exposed to radiation. Considering the daily increasing use of radiation in operating rooms and the existing problems in the field of radiation protection, the present study aimed to evaluate the clinical capability of operating room nurses and surgeons regarding radiation protection protocols in radiation-exposed operating rooms in Shiraz. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted through census on radiation-exposed nurses and surgeons in operating rooms of private and public hospitals in Shiraz in 2019-2020. The study data were collected using a demographic and professional information form and a questionnaire on radiation protection capability of operating room personnel. Then, the data were entered into the SPSS 25 software and were analyzed via descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Totally, 200 questionnaires were completely filled out. The mean age of the participants with complete questionnaires was 33.34+8.09 years. The mean scores of clinical capability, knowledge, attitude, performance, and personal commitment were 111.7+21.09, 39.05+12.76, 44.25+7.16, 14.61+6.23, and 13.98+5.77, respectively. Accordingly, the participants’ knowledge, attitude, personal commitment, and clinical capability were at good levels, while they showed a weak performance. Conclusion: It seems that educational as well as managerial measures in terms of radiation protection protocols are needed to increase the clinical capability of radiation-exposed operating room nurses and surgeons. The present study results can be used to improve clinical capability regarding radiation protection, provide related strategies, and solve problems.