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Owing to the elevated radiation exposure of patients and personnel, the catheterization laboratory is particularly in need of optimal levels of radiation protection and safety protocols. Developing safe radiation procedures improves the safety of patients and personnel. This study aims to determine the necessary modifications to enhance the quality of care and implement safety and radiation protection measures for catheterization laboratories throughout Nepal. An online descriptive cross-sectional survey was emailed to all catheterization laboratory of Nepal. The questionnaire consisted of 32 questions focusing on radiation protection and safety in the catheterization laboratory. Results were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, and frequencies and percentages were calculated and summarized. Survey findings demonstrated a 70.42% adopted radiation protection and safety among 28 catheterization laboratory across Nepal. 32.1% respondents were unaware of the Radio-absorbent patient drapes, and 50% reported systematically using real-time radiation dose monitoring. Most of the survey respondents (92.9%) had updated emergency crash cart and 21.4% don't have clearly apparent radiation hazard indicator. 78.6% catheterization laboratory segregated waste according to National HealthCare Waste Management Standard Operating Procedure. 56.4% lacked personnel radiation dose monitoring devices. All participants are oriented for six steps of handwashing, wearing gloves, donning and doffing of Personal Protective Equipment; despite 78.6% only received at least Basic Life Support training. Physicians, Radiographers, Physicists, Nurses and hospital administration should work together to establish a radiation protection and safety program for the catheterization laboratory. The findings will be utilized to pinpoint shortcomings and create strategies for enhancing radiation protection and safety in catheterization labs across Nepal. Key stakeholders, including the Nepal Radiological Society, will need to continue collaborating with other organizations in order to enhance patient care and better promote, integrate, and drive resourcing of radiation protection and safety at all catheterization laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equitable access to quality health services is a fundamental right of every citizen. As access to quality health services is an important domain of universal health coverage. Clinical audit is a crucial tool for maintaining a high standard of care in the hospital. This study aims to highlight the discrepancies between actual practice and standard in order to identify the changes needed to improve the quality of care and to implement the changes of Radiology department in central government hospital of Nepal. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey encompassing central government hospital was conducted. A structured online questionnaire comprising 41 questions was employed and classified into 2 sections, encompassing demographic data and clinical audit tool. Microsoft Excel and SPSS V.25 were used to analyze the data, and frequencies were computed. Of the 31 central government hospitals in Nepal, 19 (61.3%) are located in Bagmati province. Six of the thirty-one hospital radiography staff members have completed at least BLS or ACLS training. There is no biomedical engineering support at 8 Hospital. Hospitals that have adopted RIS or PACS are 41.9%. There are no personnel radiation dose monitoring devices in 22 out of 31 hospitals. Only six hospitals provide staff members with recurring radiation protection training. In the imaging sector, 74.2% of hospitals have an obvious radiation hazard warning for expectant moms. This study highlights the relatively medium level of clinical audit in central government hospital of Nepal. However, the identified lack of knowledge pertaining to the clinical audit emphasizes the need for further education and training in this area. To address this gap, we recommend the establishment of comprehensive orientation of clinical audit for radiology professionals. Encouraging equitable and high-quality healthcare will aid in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through clinical audit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]