Radiation Protection in Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology PDF

Preface 

Radiation protection is a leading and rapidly developing area of medical physics and society as evidenced by the emphasis hospitals and medical organizations are placing on radiation protection culture. The interdisciplinary nature of radiation protection in medicine makes it a key discipline in ensuring the safety of the public.

Safety and quality assurance in the use of radiation in medicine aims to reduce unnecessary radiation risks while maximizing the benefits. Improvements in quality and safety in radiation medicine require a strong radiation safety culture. To better achieve the goals of strengthening radiation safety in healthcare and better protection of the patients from excessive or unnecessary radiation exposure, a concerted effort by all role players including the radiologists, referring practitioners, technologists, professional organizations, international bodies, and regulators is essential.

The International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP) and the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) have worked together to produce this book on radiation protection in medical imaging and radiation oncology, intended for use both in countries that have well-developed medical and health physics disciplines and in countries that have fewer resources.

The IOMP represents more than 18,000 medical physicists worldwide and 81 adhering national member organizations. The mission of IOMP is to advance medical physics practice worldwide by disseminating scientific and technical information, fostering the educational and professional development of medical physicists, and promoting the highest quality medical services for patients.

The IRPA represents some 18,000 members from 50 associate societies representing 63 countries. IRPA’s vision is to be recognized by its members, stakeholders, and the public as the international voice of the radiation protection profession in the enhancement of radiation protection culture and practice worldwide Awareness of the need for emphasis on radiation protection contributes significantly to the safety of healthcare providers, patients, and the public. Contributions are most evident in facility design, in monitoring of personnel and the patient care environment, and in development of procedures and practices for proper handling and limitation of radiation exposure. Medical health physicists are often challenged to maximize protection of personnel while minimizing the cost of resources necessary to keep radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Advances in medical health physics will continue to be based on evidence gathered through basic and applied research. Periodic review of the evidence will help medical health physicists focus on the issues and advance the science.

Radiation Protection in Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology focuses on the professional, operational, and regulatory aspects of radiation protection covering virtually all regions of the world. The theoretical background is based on current recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and is complemented by detailed practical sections and professional discussions by the world’s leading medical and health physics professionals. Information is well organized into discreet chapters from basic protection to advanced imaging and treatment modalities. Chapters stand on their own with minimal cross referencing so that readers may focus on the chapters of greatest interest to them. This book is a valuable source of information for the medical physicist and related specialties targeting a reading level of Master of Science and above.

Richard J. Vetter

Magdalena Stoeva