Protection of patients: training courses

Regional training courses in 2009

Radiation Protection and Optimization in Computed Tomography - Managua, Nicaragua, 17 - 21 August 2009

Summary

From 17 – 21 August 2009, a Regional Training Course on Radiation Protection and Optimization in Computed Tomography was hosted by the Nicaraguan National University (UNAN), in collaboration with the IAEA, in the frame of its Technical Cooperation Programme of Regional Project RLA 9067 Thematic Safety Area 3 on Radiation Protection in Medical Exposure. A group of 32 participants from 16 Latin American countries attended the course. The participants were medical physicists and engineers. The course was opened by the Nicaraguan Authorities (UNAN Director and IAEA National Liaison Officer), and the IAEA representative. Lectures and practical exercises on optimization in computed tomography were carried out in two hospitals, including radiation protection measures and dose measurements with appropriate equipment.

The course focused on ensuring that participants learn these methods for application in their respective countries in order to carry out the activities scheduled in the frame of the technical cooperation regional project and to further strengthen the radiation protection of patients on the national level. The main topics covered during the course were:

The exercises were focused on learning the management of electrometer and pen chamber as well as dose measurement procedures with head and body phantom. In addition, the participants were trained in image quality evaluation with the specific phantom which is being delivered to the regional counterparts through the programme. It should be underlined that the course was the first of its kind in the Latin American region and was very well received by the participants. They were very proactive and committed to the training proposal and future tasks to be implemented until 2011.

Accident Prevention in Radiotherapy - Santiago de Chile, 16 - 20 March 2009

From 16 – 20 March 2009, the Regional Training Course on Prevention of Accidental Exposure in Radiotherapy and Risk Analysis was carried out in Santiago de Chile, hosted by the Chilean Health Ministry (MoH), Public Health Institute and the Chilean Commission of Nuclear Energy (CCHEN) in collaboration with the IAEA, in the frame of its Technical Cooperation Programme.

A multidisciplinary group of 66 participants from 18 Latin American countries attended the event. The participants included radiation oncologists, medical physicists and national regulators. The course was opened by the Chilean Authorities (MOH, CCHEN, and the Chilean Society of Radiotherapy), the Pan American Health Organization and the IAEA, with the collaboration of the Ibero American Forum of Nuclear and Radiation Safety Regulatory Bodies. Lectures and practical exercises on types of risk analysis were presented, including normative, retrospective and proactive methods. The course focused on enabling participants to use these methods in their respective countries, and for this reason, a major part of the course was devoted to table-top exercises on matrix risk analysis and prevention of accidental exposure. In addition, a 1-year work plan was designed which includesexercises to apply the lessons learned in participants’ respective radiotherapy departments, implementation of risk matrix approach evaluation and a workshop to analyze the outcomes.

In conclusion, it should be underlined that the course was received with enthusiasm by the participants. A multidisciplinary team of professionals agreed to work together to reduce risk in radiotherapy with attention to achieving and documenting the outcomes.

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