Sentinel Event Alert 47

Radiation risks of diagnostic imaging

Over the past two decades, the U.S. population’s total exposure to ionizing radiation has nearly doubled. While still an extremely important and effective health tool, diagnostic radition in high doses can put patients at great risk for long-term damage.

This Sentinal Event Alert issued by The Joint Commission, advises health care providers to weigh the medical necessity of a given level of radiation exposure against the risks, and that steps should be taken to eliminate avoidable exposure to radiation.

Read the full version of the Sentinal Event Alert 47 >>

Joint Commission Resources has the following tools to help educate your organization on this very important topic:

Free Article:
Radiation Safety in Imaging: Best Practices in Health Care