Physicians Knowledge of Radiation Risk in Prescribing CT Imaging in Moroccan Hospitals

Aims: This study aims to assess physicians’ knowledge on patients’ radiation protection during their computed tomography (CT) scan prescriptions.

Materials and Methods: A standardized questionnaire in multiple-choice format consisted of four sections with a total of eight questions based on the literature review. A total of 153 (59%) completed questionnaires were returned from six different hospitals in Morocco.

Results: Only 38% of prescribers took into account the ratio benefit/risk related to x-rays. Just 10% of doctors explained the risk related to x-rays to the patients. One out of four physicians has correctly estimated the effective dose received by patient during a CT scan of abdomen pelvic examination. 63% of physicians underestimated the lifetime risk of fatal cancer attributable to a single CT scan of the abdomen pelvic. Only 14% of practitioners have received formal training on risks to patients from radiation exposure.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the limited knowledge of radiation exposure among Physicians’ and Residents and this can be improved through educational and training programs.