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Enhancing Quality and Safety in Radiology: Joint UOC-IAEA National Training Course on Quality and Safety in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology

The Department of Nuclear Science, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, recently hosted the Joint UOC-IAEA National Training Course on Quality and Safety in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology from December 16 to 20, 2024. This highly successful event was organised under the IAEA technical cooperation project SLR 9014: Optimizing Radiation Doses in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology by Strengthening Technical Capabilities and Human Resources, conducted by the Department of Nuclear Science. Collaboratively supported by the TC-SLR 9012 project and the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, the program underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing radiation safety and optimising diagnostic radiology practices. The national project TC-SLR 9014 was led by Prof. Jeyasingam Jeyasugiththan, Professor in Medical Physics, as the National Project Counterpart (NPC), Dr. Aruna Pallawatte, Consultant Radiologist, as the Alternative National Project Counterpart (ANPC), and Dr. Duminda Satharasinghe, Lecturer in Medical Imaging Physics, as the Local Technical Officer.

Inauguration Ceremony

The training course commenced with an inauguration ceremony held on December 16, 2024, at the Faculty of Science. The event was graced by Senior Professor (Chair) H.D. Karunaratne, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, as the Chief Guest, and Senior Professor (Chair) Upul Sonnadara, Dean of the Faculty of Science, as a special guest. The lighting of the oil lamp marked the traditional start of the proceedings, symbolising wisdom and enlightenment. The ceremony also featured addresses by distinguished speakers, including Vice Chancellor, Dean, course director Professor Jeyasingam Jeyasugiththan, co-course director Dr. Aruna Pallawatte,  and Course Secretary Dr. Duminda Satharasinghe. 

Focus of the Training Program

The training program focused on enhancing quality assurance, dose monitoring, and diagnostic and interventional radiology optimisation strategies. Sessions were designed to address key areas such as Quality assurance and quality control practices, Justification and appropriate use of medical imaging and Education and competency building among healthcare professionals. The program aimed to foster multidisciplinary collaboration, bringing together 50 participants from diverse disciplines, including radiologists, radiographers, and medical physicists. The event provided a platform for local and international experts to share knowledge and best practices to strengthen radiological standards in Sri Lanka.

International Expertise

A highlight of the event was the participation of renowned international IAEA experts as resource persons. Professor Jenia Vassileva, a medical physicist specialising in radiation protection, Dr. Denis Remedios, a clinical radiologist with extensive expertise in radiation safety, and Professor Napapong Pongnapang, a specialist in diagnostic radiology physics, contributed invaluable insights. Their lectures covered global best practices, advanced imaging techniques, and strategies for radiation dose optimisation.

Program Overview 

The five-day program covered key quality and safety aspects in diagnostic and interventional radiology, including quality assurance, dose monitoring, and optimisation strategies. Sessions focused on justification and appropriate use of medical imaging, education and training, and enhancing professional competencies. Expert-led discussions and group activities addressed radiation safety, patient dose evaluation, and establishing diagnostic reference levels. International speakers shared best practices and advanced techniques, while participants collaboratively identified action points to strengthen local practices. Finally, the program emphasised interdisciplinary collaboration to advance radiological standards and promote radiation protection in Sri Lanka.

Commitment to Radiation Safety

The program emphasised the importance of adopting radiation safety measures, particularly in fluoroscopy-guided diagnostic and interventional procedures, which are known for their complex and high-dose requirements. Participants engaged in discussions and group activities to identify gaps in local practices and proposed action points to strengthen dose monitoring and optimisation frameworks.

Outcomes and Future Directions

The training concluded with a collective resolution by all participants to implement strategies for dose evaluation and optimisation in diagnostic and interventional radiology. This commitment highlights the program’s success in fostering collaboration among professionals and advancing radiation safety practices in Sri Lanka. The Department of Nuclear Science, as the coordinator of the TC-SLR 9014 IAEA National Project, continues to play a pivotal role in supporting local professionals in improving radiological standards across the country. This training course represents another significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to build technical capabilities and strengthen human resources in the field.

Acknowledgements

The Faculty of Science, the University of Colombo, and the organising committee extend their gratitude to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for their support and to all participants and experts who contributed to the success of this event. The collaboration between national and international stakeholders ensures a brighter future for radiological practices in Sri Lanka.