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59 Pregnancy and safe practice in the cardiac cath lab: a departmental cross-sectional survey and educational initiative

heartjnl · 2026-06-09 · canonical JSON source

4 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

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Introduction Concerns about radiation exposure during pregnancy may deter female trainees from pursuing interventional subspecialties in cardiology, and could be detrimental to progression in training. Exposure to ionising radiation in the cath lab during pregnancy is safe, provided there is the correct use of radiation safety protection measures.Methods A cross-sectional survey was distributed to cardiology consultants and registrars within a single cardiology department in Northern Ireland to assess knowledge, attitudes, and personal experiences regarding safe practice for pregnant operators in the cath lab. Data collected included knowledge scores, personal choices regarding cath lab work during pregnancy, awareness of safety protocols, dosimeter use, and suggestions for departmental improvement.Results The survey yielded 18 responses (51% response rate). The main findings on issues related to pregnant staff working in the cath lab are as follows:Knowledge Deficit: 78% of medical staff rated their knowledge of safe practice in the cath lab for pregnant operators at 5 or less out of 10.Personal Experience & Barriers: Among female staff, 46.2% reported choosing not to work in the cath lab during their pregnancy, with all citing concerns about radiation exposure and risks to the fetus as the reason. Only 20% of pregnant operators cited wearing a personal radiation dosimeter.Systemic Issues: Furthermore, 66% of respondents were unaware of who to contact for advice regarding radiation exposure and working in the lab while pregnant. Suggestions for improvement focused on providing evidence-based safety information, departmental induction, easily accessible departmental guidelines/booklets, and better provision of adequate pregnancy-appropriate lead aprons and personal dosimeter badges.Conclusion and Implications A significant knowledge gap and lack of accessible, evidence-based safety protocols and equipment provision contribute to female cardiologists opting out of working or training in the cath lab during pregnancy. This has potential detrimental effects on career progression and subspecialty selection for female trainees. Improving the availability of relevant safety information, standardising departmental guidelines through an information summary sheet and further information in the departmental booklets distributed at induction, and ensuring the provision of appropriate safety equipment are essential, actionable measures that have been implemented post-survey, to support continued safe training and work for pregnant cardiology staff.