[01] Slimane Semghouli, Department of Health Techniques, Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Agadir, Morocco. [02] Bouchra Amaoui, Department of Radiotherapy, Regional Center of Oncology, Agadir, Morocco. [03] Mohamed El Fahssi, Department of Health Techniques, Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Agadir, Morocco. [04] Abdelmajid Choukri, Department of Physics, Nuclear Physics and Techniques Team, Faculty of Science, University of IbnTofail, Kenitra, Morocco. [05] Oum Keltoum Hakam, Department of Physics, Nuclear Physics and Techniques Team, Faculty of Science, University of IbnTofail, Kenitra, Morocco.

The objective of this study is to assess emergency department doctors’ and radiology service practitioners’ knowledge of radiation doses associated with diagnostic imaging and to describe their practices with regard to informing patients of risk.In order to accomplish this study three questionnaires were developed, the first was sent to emergency physicians, the second to the radiology technicians and the third to the radiologist physicians. These questionnaires contained several questions related to practices and practitioners' knowledge on radiation protection of patients. All practitioners of the two departments have completed the questionnaire. 40% of prescribers took into account the ratio benefit/risk related to x-rays during radiological exam prescription. Only 20% of prescribers’ explained the risk related to x-rays to the patients during radiological exam prescription. One out off four physicians has correctly estimated the effective dose received by patient during an abdomen pelvic scan compared to the dose of a standard chest x-ray radiograph in an adult. Over three-quarters of doctors (75%) underestimated the lifetime risk of fatal cancer attributable to a single computed tomography scan of the abdomen pelvic. 46% of practitioners reported that they have never received any formal training on risks to patients from radiation exposure. Practitioners in our sample had a varied knowledge of the risks from radiation exposure, but overall knowledge was reduced. The diagnostic imaging request process may need to include information on radiation doses and risks. Therefore a broader diffusion of training in radiation protection of patients could be a solution to improve the knowledge of hospital practitioners on radiation protection of patients.

X-ray Imaging, Radiological Exam, Patient’s Protection, Dose

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