Developing a radiation protection programme for patients in a diagnostic radiology department in Namibia

The study presents and objectively summarizes the aspects of a Radiation Protection Program for a radiology department. Current practice in radiology are continuously on the increase and medical irradiation is the largest contributor to radiation exposure to the population. Medical practitioners ensure that the benefits of radiation exposure far outweigh the risks, taking into account alternative diagnostic methods that are non-ionizing. A Radiation Protection Program is required to protect patients, staff and the general public from unnecessary exposure to radiation. In diagnostic radiology applications, exposure to patients is greatly contributed by unnecessary irradiation of patients thus radiation protection is important in this setting. All professionals should know the effects of radiation on humans at a molecular and the cellular level, deterministic effects, stochastic somatic effects, stochastic hereditary effects and effects on the embryo and fetus. With radiation protection it is important that everyone involved understands the concept of radiation detriment and ensure radiation protection. This is imperative that all health professionals understand their roles and responsibilities in radiation protection and the importance of ALARA. (author)