A Systematic Review of Healthcare-Associated Infectious Organisms in Medical Radiation Science Departments: Preliminary Findings

摘要

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) arise from exposure to infectious organisms within a healthcare setting, HAIs are a significant occupational risk for Medical Radiation Science (MRS) professionals which have a high degree of patient-contact. Methods: Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used in this research. The inclusion criteria were studies describing infectious organisms found directly in MRS departments or outlining a risk of infection to MRS professionals. Studies on infectious organisms on clothing or equipment used in these departments were also included. Results: Screening excluded 1655 articles that didn't meet the criteria, twenty-one articles were included in the final review. Preliminary findings, published between 1998 and 2018, were from eleven countries. Three studies were set in radiotherapy and thirteen in diagnostic radiography departments. No studies were published from nuclear medicine departments. Twenty different organisms were identified. Conclusion: Preliminary findings indicate a lack of related published studies within nuclear medicine departments.