Improving radiation safety for hospital staff during interventional surgery

Abstract

Radiation is increasingly used to treat otherwise dangerous operations such as valve replacements with minimal consequences for the patient using live X-ray and catheters. These minimal invasive interventions are beneficial for the patient but physicians are exposed to high doses of radiation as a result. Products in the market of radiation protection are focusing on physical barriers for the radiation such as lead aprons and acrylic lead shields. Although effective, these are often not properly used, which increases the risk for exposure. Next to this, new products will enter a highly saturated market with vast generic alternatives. A design opportunity was found in the range of product aiming for training of physicians to properly work with radiation. From interviews and observations, it was concluded that there is no commons census among cardiologists regarding where the dangerous scatter radiation is present surrounding the patient. It is therefore vital to train or even reprogram their instinctive mind to have a clear idea about the presence of scatter in the OR; radiation safety through behavior change. Philips is involved in a strategy that is called the Quadruple aim. Where the current focus is more directed to the patient experience, the quadruple aim also includes the staff experience as a large influence in better healthcare. A product concept is created where staff experience is key. With this direction Philips will fill a gap in the market for training products and create a common census for safe radiation behavior. Introduced to new generations of hybrid OR’s as the Exposure Prevention Package (EPP), the concept solution will provide a set of clear indicators for safe radiation conduct. Physicians and other staff can now identify when they are exposed to the harmful, but invisible, radiation and act upon it. Through further involvement in the hospital itself Philips will be engaged in an introduction phase of their systems. This includes a introductory course in which operators learn to work with the system and at the same time experience a “learning by doing” style radiation safety course.