Assessment of the Knowledge of CT Scanner Operators on the Use of Dose Reduction Software Called Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) During a CT Scan

Objectif Evaluate the knowledge of medical imaging technicians on the use of dose reduction software and the concept of patient radiation protection. Materials: and methods : Descriptive and analytical transversal study from January 1 to December 1, 2020, conducted in the radiology and medical imaging services of Cameroon's public and private hospitals with a CT scanner. It was the first study on this topic that was conducted in Cameroon. This study was conducted from a questionnaire distributed to all medical imaging technicians in 10 country hospitals relating to the notions of dose reduction software and patient radiation protection. Results: : 80 questionnaires were distributed and analyzed. The average age of medical imaging technicians was 30 years old. There were 32 women and 48 men. Most of the medical imaging technicians worked in private centers (n = 6). 75% of medical imaging technicians had been in practice for more than 5 years. 75% of medical imaging technicians gave the wrong answer regarding the use of dose reduction software. Finally, only a third of the practitioners had received training in patient radiation protection. Conclusion: Although the majority of medical imaging technicians declares to take into account the dangers related to ionizing radiation during examinations, a broader dissemination of patient radiation protection training and the use of dose reduction software, particularly during the initial curriculum. Radiology technicians could be one of the solutions to improve the knowledge of hospital practitioners in patient radiation protection. However, the use of ionizing radiation, however, need to know and take into account the potential risks of radio-induced cancer linked to high X-ray doses.