ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7005-9197

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Education (Ed.D.)

Department

Administrative and Instructional Leadership

First Advisor

Barbara Cozza

Second Advisor

Katherine C Aquino

Third Advisor

Stephen Kotok

Abstract

X-ray, an accidental discovery in 1895, has been used to diagnose and treat various ailments. Despite the benefits of X-rays, it has been established that the radiation has the potential to cause harm to individuals and even death following its use. The harm associated with radiation has been evidenced in various historical tragedies globally, including the Chernobyl accidents, the Goiania accidents, and even the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These incidents highlight the potential hazards associated with radiation use. Individuals exposed to the radiation from the incidents had higher risks of cancer, neurological dysfunctions, congenital disabilities, predispositions to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypercholesteremia. Because of the risks associated with the use of X-rays, several regulations have been developed to prevent risks of these adverse outcomes, but their success relies upon healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to measure how knowledge, conceptions, and opinions differ among radiologic professionals (radiologic technologists, radiological educators, and medical radiologists) and how it leads to misinformation about the dangers of radiation (in diagnostic radiology). The methodology for this study was a qualitative study with a phenomenological research approach. Participants, staff working in a radiology department of a hospital, took part in interviews, which were analyzed with the help of Nvivo qualitative software to answer four research questions. The results indicated that radiological professionals are knowledgeable about radiation protection and safety, including radiation sensitivity and the increasing role of technology in radiology. Fluoroscopic, abdominal genetics, computed tomography scans, mammography, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography are more risky procedures, whereas glandular tissue, thyroid glands, gonads, cervical and lumbar spines, pelvis, eyes, and spine are the most susceptible body organs. Inadequate training results in laxity, misinformation, and radiation damage to healthcare workers and patients. Radiological professionals attend training and have greater and current knowledge. Technologists are the most important channel for increasing awareness about the safety and effectiveness of radiation use. Lastly, radiological professionals employ technology to establish whether to limit radiation dosage or not. These findings highlight the indispensable role of hospital regulations in ensuring radiation protection and safety for patients and healthcare professionals.

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