An exploratory study of compliance with patient radiation safety standards amongst radiographers in Eswatini public hospitals

Abstract

Background The consequence of non-compliance with patient radiation safety standards is increased unnecessary radiation exposure with high chances of harmful biological effects. Somatic effects may take up to 40 years to manifest, which may cause radiographers to be careless with radiation protection compliance when used. Radiographers performing these procedures are trained to use the minimum amount of radiation necessary by observing the radiation safety standards. The study aimed to explore compliance with patient radiation safety standards by radiographers in Eswatini public hospitals in order to recommend appropriate compliance standards to the Eswatini Ministry of Health. Methodology The research questions were derived using a qualitative exploratory descriptive design, and constructivism paradigms. The data collection process consisted of in-depth one-on one interviews. The sample was selected based on a purposive sampling approach. This study was conducted in the public hospitals in four regions of Eswatini. Study participants were radiographers employed in public hospitals with working experience of at least two years. Data saturation was achieved with 13 participants. After the data were collected, they were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings Three themes emerged from the data analysis, namely: a) Participants' attitudes towards compliance with radiation safety standards; b) radiographers’ subjective norms; and c) perceived behavioral control factors. This study has revealed a gap in compliance with patients' radiation safety standards amongst radiographers employed in Eswatini public hospitals. Conclusion The study demonstrated awareness and knowledge of patient radiation safety standards amongst radiographers in Eswatini public hospitals. However, compliance with the standards remained a personal decision because radiographers are not obliged to comply. Moreover, other factors contributing to non-compliance included defective lead protective devices; unavailability of all the lead protective designs; inappropriate design of the department building; and unauthorized staff making unjustified x-ray requests. The establishment of a self-regulatory body may assist in improving the situation through the introduction of radiation safety officers who will establish national Radiography policies and guidelines and ensure that radiographers follow them.