Educational Intervention to Increase Parental Knowledge and Acceptance of Pediatric Imaging

Few exposures generate more anxiety to the public than exposure to any type of radiation. Images and stories of affected individuals that agonize due to extreme exposure to ionizing radiation (usually during nuclear facility accidents) have captured the imagination of people since the atomic bomb explosions in Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, and have created deep seated fears [1,2]. Over the years the fear of radiation from the mounting use of medical imaging and from reports in the media that dramatize radiological mishaps may have resulted in patients’ hesitation to undergo even the required diagnostic imaging procedures [3]. Currently there is increased awareness among the medical professionals on the importance of effectively communicating radiation risks to the patients so as to help them make informed decisions. Effective dose of radiation exposure is expressed in Sieverts (Sv) based on System International nomenclature and the dose emitted in diagnostic imaging is expressed as milliSieverts (mSv) [4]. Radiation exposure from natural sources such as sun rays and radon gas is a constant part of everyday life. Globally, the average radiation exposure from all sources is approximately 3 mSv/year per person, however natural radiation levels vary by geographic locations [5]. In United States, the average annual radiation exposure to naturally occurring radioactive substances accounts for half of the average annual human exposure, which has been quantified at 3 milliSieverts (mSv). The other half is due to artificial sources of radiation, mainly medical radiography [6].