Formal learning in radiation protection among Maltese family doctors : a survey.

Abstract

The POPUMET regulations state that any person clinically or physically directing the medical exposure of a person to radiation should have a 'core knowledge' on radiation protection. Family doctors request many radiological studies and should therefore have an adequate knowledge of radiation protection. The aims of this study were to determine the level of formal radiation protection education of family doctors registered in Malta and their attitude towards the acquisition of this knowledge. No published studies on formal radiation protection education for family doctors were found. Since no specific research tool was found, one had to be drawn up specifically for this project. This tool was a questionnaire, sent out to 100 family physicians locally. This research project details the findings obtained from the 48 physicians who responded. The study revealed that there is a definite need for radiation protection education of family doctors and undergraduate medical students. The quantitative data drawn up from the questionnaires shows that family physicians are indeed aware of radiation protection issues. However, the majority said they did not receive any formal education on radiation protection. The respondents' attitude was positive towards receiving this education.