1. Sustainable radiology departments: A European survey to explore radiographers' perceptions of environmental and energy sustainability issues.
- Author
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Roletto A, Catania D, Rainford L, Savio A, Zanardo M, Bonfitto GR, and Zanoni S
- Subjects
- Humans, Europe, Surveys and Questionnaires, Female, Attitude of Health Personnel, Male, Adult, Middle Aged, Radiology Department, Hospital
- Abstract
Introduction: The environmental impact of radiology and radiotherapy activities is influenced by the energy consumption of equipment, the life cycle of consumables, waste generation, and CO
2 emissions caused by staff travel. This study aims to investigate radiographers' perception and knowledge of environmental sustainability issues., Methods: An online survey was created and distributed to European radiographers and therapeutic radiographers. The survey questions (n = 43) include demographic data; questions on their perceptions and actions regarding environmental sustainability in healthcare, energy consumption, emissions from staff travel, waste generation from radiological procedures; the role of radiographers in addressing sustainability issues within their departments., Results: A total of 253 responses were collected from 27 European countries. About their perception on sustainability issues, most participants considered environmental sustainability in healthcare as very important. According to 63.6% (n = 161) of respondents, the energy consumption of radiological equipment is the major source of environmental footprints from radiology activities. Additionally, 44.7% (n = 113) believe that conducting diagnostic examinations remotely could reduce environmental footprints from staff commuting About their actions at workplace, over 70% (n = 192) reported turning off devices after use. Attention to waste recycling is high, but limited to paper, plastic and glass. Contrast agents recycling procedures are implemented by 13% (n = 33). The absence or unawareness of environmental sustainability procedures in the workplace was reported by 66% (n = 167). Radiographers could play an active role in environmental sustainability programs for 243 (96.1%) participants., Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive overview of European radiographers' knowledge and perceptions concerning environmental sustainability issues. While radiographers recognize the importance of a green radiology department, significant gaps remain in their understanding of eco-friendly initiatives in radiology units' activities., Implication for Practice: Enhancing radiographers' skills with sustainability expertise could promote a greener culture within radiology departments., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement All authors declare that they have no competing interests directly related to this study., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2024
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