Protection against radiation

Project Title: The Use of Diagnostic Radiology

Objective/Research Question: This project will present knowledge about the use of radiological services in Norway; developmental trends and geographical variations (in cooperation with the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority). Factors influencing the use of services will be investigated as well as the professional roles as experienced by radiologists and radiographers in regulating the use of their services. The project aims to clarify the ethical dilemmas raised by these descriptive analyses, and to evaluate them normatively in the light of principle based ethics, theories of justice and professional ethical positions.

Contact  at FHS: Assistant Professor Kristin Bakke Lysdahl, Kristin.Bakke@hf.hio.no

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Project Title: Would Clinical Audit Work in Norway?

Objective/Research Question:Is clinical audit, the quality assurance method mandatory under the Council Directive 97/43/Euratom (Article 2) suitable for improving medical radiation protection routines in Norway? Radiation safety practice has often been haphazard and non-standardised in Norwegian X-Ray departments. New legislation and guidelines require optimised radiation protection routines in depts. medical radiology in Norway.

A pilot audit carried out in cooperation with the radiological department of an Oslo university hospital showed that Clinical Audit is a suitable quality assurance tool in Norway. Re-audit after a year showed greater awareness and reflectiveness amongst radiographers and improved radiation safety routines, although familiarity with the method may take time.

Contact person: Assistant Professor Ann Torday Gulden,   AnnTorday.Gulden@hf.hio.no

Cooperating in the project: Herbjørg Raaen, AkerUniversityHospital,   Herbjorg.Raaen@akersykehus.no

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