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Congress: ECR25
Poster Number: C-21704
Type: Poster: EPOS Radiographer (scientific)
DOI: 10.26044/ecr2025/C-21704
Authorblock: A. Burade1, V. Gershan2, N. M. I. Obeidat3, M. H. Kharita4, M. Bernardo5, M. Elfiky6, L. Karout1, P. Kaviani1, M. K. Kalra1; 1Boston, MA/US, 2Vienna/AT, 3Irbid/JO, 4Doha/QA, 5Sorocaba/BR, 6Cairo/EG
Disclosures:
Anushree Burade: Nothing to disclose
Vesna Gershan: Nothing to disclose
Naser Mohammad Issa Obeidat: Nothing to disclose
Mohammed Hassan Kharita: Nothing to disclose
Monica Bernardo: Nothing to disclose
Mahmoud Elfiky: Nothing to disclose
Lina Karout: Nothing to disclose
Parisa Kaviani: Nothing to disclose
Mannudeep K Kalra: Nothing to disclose
Keywords: Radioprotection / Radiation dose, CT, Radiation safety, Education and training
Purpose Clinical indication-based justification and optimization are key components of radiation protection of patients, ensuring that CT scans are performed only when necessary and with the lowest possible radiation dose [1]. However, implementation of these practices varies across regions and institutions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate justification and optimization practices for CT scanning in a multicenter and multinational setting, identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
Read more Methods and materials The need for internal review board approval was waived since no patient data were used. We created survey questionnaire to obtain information on justification and optimization practices for CT scanning from radiologists and technologists/medical physicists. We contacted several sites in Eastern/Central Europe, Latin America, Northern Africa, Middle East, and Asia, using the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) liaison, personal communication, and social media [fig 1] . The received data were analyzed using descriptive analysis.
Read more Results Among the 78 responding sites from 34 countries and 5 geographical regions, [fig 2] [fig 3] [fig 4]   32% (25/78) sites reported frequently incomplete clinical indications for CT examinations and 26.9% (21/78) reported frequent errors in clinical indications. [fig 5] [fig 6] [fig 7] [fig 8] [fig 9] [fig 10] [fig 11]   [fig 12] Most radiologists (84.6%, 66/72) stated they “rarely” changed the ordered imaging based on the provided indications. About 58.9% (46/78) of radiologists replied that the referral physicians “rarely” consulted them for selecting the best imaging procedure, and...
Read more Conclusion The variability in justification practices, lack of communication between the referral physicians and radiologists, and inconsistent protocol adjustments suggest opportunities for improvement. Increased awareness, targeted training, and institutional policies can help reinforce appropriate imaging selection and dose optimization, ensuring the implementation of the principles of justification and optimization. Collaborative efforts at regional and international levels are essential to ensure that radioprotection principles are effectively implemented, ultimately improving patient care and reducing unnecessary radiation exposure. 
Read more References [1] Trattner S, Pearson GDN, Chin C, Cody DD, Gupta R, Hess CP, Kalra MK, Kofler JM Jr, Krishnam MS, Einstein AJ. Standardization and optimization of CT protocols to achieve low dose. J Am Coll Radiol. 2014 Mar;11(3):271-278. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2013.10.016. PMID: 24589403; PMCID: PMC3969855.
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