Some time ago, Wilko Zoetekouw visited one of our RaySafe i3 users: Jurgen Mourik. A series of three blog posts has been written about this.
Jurgen Mourik is a clinical physicist in radiology and nuclear medicine at Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland. He is also a radiation protection expert at the aforementioned hospital, where he oversees the safe handling of ionizing radiation. As a clinical physicist, Jurgen is responsible for the quality and safety of medical equipment and (partially) its procurement.
In addition, Jurgen ensures protocol optimization for the balance of the lowest possible radiation dose versus the sharpest possible image. He also provides training to all involved employees of Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland at various levels on radiation safety. He uses the RaySafe i3 for this.
When Jurgen started working at Franciscus about ten years ago, a RaySafe i3 was already in use. At the time, a quality employee had purchased it. Back then, the i3 was only used for the angio suite, for about 4 to 5 weeks per year.
He did develop an e-learning course on radiation safety. This is mainly intended for employees in, for example, an operating room who work with radiation but have not received training for it. Such as an OR assistant or anesthesiologist. This e-learning was still quite abstract.
Until a demonstration/workshop with the RaySafe i3 was given from Rijnstate. Then Jurgen thought: I have to do something with this. He then devised a way to supplement his e-learning with practical training that is much more appealing.
The training that Jurgen provides also takes place entirely realistically in an operating room, with a C-arm and the RaySafe i3. With the help of IV poles with the i3 badges attached to them and a jerrycan of water (patient), he shows what, among other things, a step backwards or sideways can do for exposure to radiation. Read more about this training in this blog.
Now this training is a mandatory part for the involved employees. This training is given several times, and employees can register for it. They must follow this training at least once every three years. Specialists can also follow the training for a refresher.
Due to the versatile use of the RaySafe i3 and the fact that the current i3 is already 10 years old, Jurgen has also purchased a second RaySafe i3. This ensures that the badges are used in an angio suite for a longer period and that training can also take place.
Want to know more? Also read Jurgen’s user experience about the RaySafe i3, or view the blog about his training.
