Operating room nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding radiation Protection from C-arm fluoroscopy machine

Background C-arm fluoroscopy machine is essential for real-time imaging during surgical procedures, enhancing accuracy and patient outcomes. However, it emits ionizing radiation, which can pose serious health hazards with prolonged exposure. Necessitating knowledge and practice of operating room (OR) nurses in radiation safety principles are crucial to protect both patients and healthcare staff. Aim To assess OR nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding radiation protection from C-arm fluoroscopy machine. Design Anon-experimental descriptive exploratory research design. Sample A convenient sample consisting of all available OR male and female nurses (78 nurses) who were exposed to or dealing with C-arm fluoroscopy machine and fulfill the inclusion criteria. Setting The current study was carried out at five ORs utilizing C-arm machine, at Kasr El-Aini Hospital affiliated to Cairo University Hospitals. Tools Three tools were utilized as follows: (a) personal background information form; (b) OR nurses’ knowledge of radiation protection questionnaire; (c) observational checklist for safety practices of OR nurses exposed to ionizing radiation. Results A total of 71.5% of the studied nurses had an unsatisfactory level of knowledge regarding radiation protection from C-arm fluoroscopy machine, while 89% of them had unsatisfactory level of practice. As well as there is highly statistically significant direct correlation between knowledge and practice. Conclusion Continuous education, practice and adherence to safety protocols help reduce the risk of radiation-related health hazards among nurses. Recommendations Design health educational program for OR nurses to improve their knowledge and practice about occupational hazards of radiation and preventive measures.