The potential for the optimisation of patient protection in medicine

In almost every developed country the largest component of population dose from artificial sources is from medical diagnostic procedures. Studies in the UK have shown this component of the collective dose to be approximately 17000 man Sv and that there is significant variation in individual doses for the same examinations. Very few optimisation case studies have been reported for medical uses, with those that have mostly relating to occupational exposure. The National Radiological Protection Board has a programme of work that is attempting to focus attention on this area and to encourage optimisation studies related to patient exposure. (author)