Radiation emergency preparedness: perception of non-physician first receivers

Dear Sir,

There is a lack of local research on hospital-based radiation emergency preparedness for scenarios such as a dirty bomb detonation.^(1,2) We read with interest an article published by Chin⁽¹⁾ in 2007 on the acute management of radiation poisoning and injuries. The article discussed the importance of appropriate emergency department (ED) triage, acute management of radiation injury and safety of health workers.

We wish to highlight the crucial roles undertaken by non-physician first receivers at the ED (Table I) and share concisely the interesting investigative findings from a recent survey conducted among non-physician participants of a training programme on radiation emergency held at our hospital’s ED. A total of 38 health workers – 23 nurses, 11 radiographers, 4 housekeeping staff – responded to the survey. Out of these 38 responders, 14 (37%) felt ‘neutral’ or unprepared to handle radioactive hazards in their current roles. Nurses, in particular, felt less prepared than radiographers and housekeepers (p = 0.002; Fisher's exact test [2-sided]; Table II). In addition, only 26 (68%) of all the responders indicated that they are ‘very likely’ or ‘likely’ to turn up for work in such an event.

These findings did not come as a surprise. A similar survey conducted overseas has surfaced key concerns such as a lack of readiness, and even disagreement with some aspects of the current response guidance.⁽³⁾ Although the actual reasons lie beyond this survey, we postulate that nurses, who are directly involved with clinical care and spend a longer period of time with patients (some of whom may be persistently contaminated), perceive themselves to be at greater risk of harm. Unfamiliarity with their roles and a lack of cross-training for expanded responsibilities during a crisis may have added to stress and uncertainty among nurses.

In conclusion, we wish to underscore the importance of careful manpower planning by administrators so as to ensure that competent and trained healthcare providers are present when needed during such a crisis. Our findings also point to an urgent need for education and training.

Yours sincerely,
Hoon Chin Steven Lim¹, Jun Guan Tan², Muhammad Azmi Hezan^2
1Accident and Emergency Department, Changi General Hospital, ²Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore. hoon_chin_lim@ cgh.com.sg

REFERENCES