Radiological Literacy: what is known and why is it important?

• Autor(a) principal: Barros, Beatriz
• Data de Publicação: 2021
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (Repositórios Cientìficos)
• Texto Completo: https://doi.org/10.46885/roentgen.v2i1.28
• topic: Radiology; Health Literacy; Radiological Literacy; Ionizing Radiation; X-Ray; Radiologia; Literacia em Saúde; Literacia Radiológica; Radiações ionizantes; Radiação X

With the increase in the performance of radiological exams and the consequent increase in the exposure of users to X-radiation, there is also an increased probability of effects on Health. In this context, the topic of Radiological Literacy has been gaining importance, as it is only prevented what is known. The study of Health Literacy, namely in Radiology, allows, on the one hand, to understand the existing gaps and on the other hand to develop a set of measures that support the perception of risk and contribute to the use of radiation protection measures. It is known that a greater effective identification of radiological procedures that imply exposure to X-rays, associated dose levels and radiation protection procedures allows to reduce, among others, redundant tests and the consequent dose levels at which users are exposed. Thus, 13 articles from the recent bibliography (last 10 years) were identified and analysed, where most follow a quantitative methodological approach and one follows a mixed methodology.Aspects related to the identification of exams such as Mammography, Bone Densitometry and Computed Tomography allow to evidence the existence of knowledge gaps in the public. In terms of dose, radiation effects and radiological protection measures, relevant levels of ignorance are also identified. In the qualitative analysis, it was possible to highlight that users want clear and simple information about radiological procedures in order to increase the knowledge they have regarding this area. The existence of initiatives that help the development and increase of Radiological Literacy levels is increasingly important and essential for the collective reduction of the dose level of exposure to X-radiation.