A new document has been published, which provides clarity and support for the UK radiographic workforce to comply with IR(ME)R and helps improve patient experience.
On 6 February 2018, the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 and the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2018 came into force in accordance with the European Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom; the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) considers this a ‘timely opportunity’ for employers (and radiography departments) to re-evaluate governance processes.
The document states, “The more a workforce is prepared in terms of knowledge and understanding of radiation risks, the greater their confidence will be in delivering that information.”
It supports existing practice for the benefit of the individual receiving the exposure and should not hinder already effective and safe practice.
This information not only includes, where appropriate, the lifetime risk of developing cancer but also the limitations of the proposed radiological/radiotherapy procedure(s) and the potential consequences of not making diagnoses or delivering treatment.
Other guidance topics include:
- Duty holders
- Entitlement
- Training
- Practical advice for communicating radiation risks
- Carers and comforters
- Typical patient scenarios
- Communicating benefit and risk in radiotherapy
There are also a range of practical scenarios within the document, colour coded for diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers.