Radiologic technologists looking to educate themselves on how to minimize the impact of pediatric fluoroscopic imaging can now turn to a new resource. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved for distribution three educational modules titled “Image Gently: Enhancing Radiation Protection in Pediatric Fluoroscopy.”
Developed by the Society for Pediatric Radiology and Image Gently: The Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging, the online portal provides practice-based information on how to increase protection and reduce radiation exposure during examinations and how to deal with potential side effects once procedures are complete. The modules are available for free download and are also intended for radiologists and medical imaging physicists.
The FDA chose the partner organizations workgroup to develop educational materials during a competitive selection process in 2011. Members were pediatric radiology experts from groups including the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, Society for Pediatric Radiology and American Association of Physicists in Medicine. Alongside the education modules, they provided the FDA with the following materials:
- A report summarizing existing educational resources and citing training gaps for radiologic technologists
- An online assessment tool and manual to review key concepts
- An educational template aimed at manufacturers designing user equipment guides
- A technical template recommending design and configuration changes to optimize fluoroscopic equipment performance for pediatric patients.
Project team member Tracy Herrmann, MEd, RT(R), said, “The materials provide radiologic technologists with tools to improve communication with patients and their families, and strategies to encourage teamwork with physicians, physicists and representatives from equipment manufacturers. Our ultimate goal is to reduce radiation dose when imaging children, and the materials provide concrete steps to help us achieve that goal.”
