National Survey on Radiation Safety Practices and Exposure Among Vascular Surgery Trainees and Consultants in Spain

Abstract

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the current status of radiation safety training, practices, and exposure awareness among vascular surgery trainees and consultants across Spain.

Methods:

This was a national cross-sectional survey. An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed to all members of the Spanish Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery. The survey collected data on professional status (trainee or consultant), years of training or practice, formal radiation protection education, feedback on exposure levels, use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principles. All responses were recorded electronically and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results:

Ninety participants completed the survey, including 21 trainees (23.3%) and 69 consultants (76.7%). Among them, 94.1% of trainees and 75% of consultants reported receiving formal radiation safety training during residency. However, only 15.8% of trainees and 44.9% of consultants had completed an updated radiation protection course. Regarding routine feedback on occupational exposure, 38.1% of trainees and 72.5% of consultants reported receiving regular updates. Advanced protective measures were underused. None of the trainees and 4.4% of consultant members reported exceeding the annual dose limit of 20 mSv.

Conclusion:

Our findings provide relevant information on radiation safety practices among vascular surgery professionals in Spain. A significant proportion of both trainees and consultants lack regular exposure feedback and have limited interaction with radiation safety personnel. In addition, many have not received recent refresher training. These results support the need for structured education, consistent exposure monitoring, and reinforcement of safety protocols across all levels of surgical training.

Clinical Impact

This nationwide survey provides a national overview of radiation safety training, monitoring, and protective practices among vascular surgery trainees and consultants in Spain. It shows that, despite widespread use of basic protective equipment, relevant gaps persist in refresher education, exposure feedback, and the implementation of advanced ALARA strategies. For clinicians, these findings underscore the need to move beyond individual protective measures toward structured, institutionally supported radiation safety practices. This study represents the first national evidence in Spain to support standardized training programs, institutional radiation safety protocols, and policies to reduce long-term occupational radiation exposure.

Keywords

radiation protection radiation exposure radiation dosimeter endovascular procedures education

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