IAEA launches radiation protection course in Spanish

So far, more than 2000 health professionals have learned about managing the radiation dose in computed tomography by taking an IAEA online course that was introduced two years ago. In March, the IAEA launched a Spanish version of the course to enable more professionals to strengthen their knowledge and skills in the field.

“Computed tomography is a very powerful diagnostic tool thathelps medical professionals treat patients effectively,” said Jenia Vassileva,IAEA Radiation Protection Specialist. “However, the CT procedures also exposepatients to radiation, and it is important that the procedures are properlyselected and well optimized. A CT scan must use enough radiation to producediagnostic results, but not more. This course helps professionals find theright level of radiation to be used.”

The five-hour course comprises 11 modules on the appropriateuse of CT, the different techniques to optimize scanning protocols by selectingsuitable scan parameters, and the tracking of patient dose metrics. The coursealso highlights how to optimize exposure of children and pregnant patients.Course takers that pass the final examination can receive a certificate ofcompletion.

The course forms part of the IAEA’s work to strengthenradiation protection in medical radiation practices.  The CT course and two other online courses –one on radiation protection on radiography, and one on safety and quality inradiotherapy – have together attracted more than 4500 participants. Inaddition, more than 5000 health professionals watched the live streams of aseries of IAEA webinars on radiation protection in medical radiation practices.

The Spanish translation of the course was supported by theIAEA technical cooperation programme.