Patient and radiographer perspectives of two lead shielding devices for foetal dose reduction in CT scanning

Abstract Aim In many UK hospitals pregnant patients undergoing chest CT scans have lead shielding placed over their abdomen/pelvis in order to reduce foetal radiation dose. In the majority of cases conventional lead aprons are used even though these are not designed for the task. The purpose of the study was to compare these aprons with a new shielding device, from both patient and radiographer perspectives. Materials & methods The study was performed using 35 volunteer radiographers who alternately acted as both radiographer and pregnant patient; pregnancy was simulated at the time of the study. In both roles the volunteers experienced the two products and then completed a questionnaire to determine the relative merits of the products in terms of weight, manoeuvrability and fit to patient shape. The study received local ethics committee approval (09/H1304/33). Results Both patients and radiographers showed a strong preference for the new shielding device with average favourable ratings of 83% for radiographers and 72% for patients compared with 27% and 17% for the lead aprons. The new device was particularly favoured in terms of manoeuvrability (97% vs. 46%), fit to patient shape (91% vs. 17%) and the perceived weight reduction on the patient's abdomen. Conclusions A new shielding device for foetal radiation protection in all stages of pregnancy has been evaluated and has been shown to be preferred by both patients and radiographers when compared to conventional lead aprons.