Radiation protection to date in diagnostic radiology: Conclusions of the Ibero-American Conference on Radiological Protection in Medicine (CIPRaM) 2016

The aim of this article was to summarize the conclusions reached by a panel of Ibero-American experts regarding the five most relevant problems in the area of Radiological Protection (RP) in diagnostic radiology in Latin America. The topic was analyzed within the framework of the Ibero-American Conference on Radiological Protection in Medicine (CIPRaM) 2016, held in Madrid, Spain, between October 18 and 20, 2016, together with an analysis of the current situation of our country in these issues. The CIPRaM was addressed to all those involved in RP in medicine, including physicians, technicians, physicists, regulatory agents, health authorities and the general public. In conclusion, the most relevant problems were the lack of justification for the studies, the lack of culture of dose optimization of radiological techniques, the need to deepen the educational efforts of health personnel, the need to establish diagnostic reference levels in the region and further promote a PR culture and greater risk-benefit dialogue. As indicators of follow-up, it was proposed to quantify the number of countries with clinical guidelines for referral clinicians, the number of countries with quality manuals in use, the number of guidelines for conducting examinations adopted, the number of countries in the region with national diagnostic reference levels, the number of Educational programs, actions and campaigns in RP for each national society and finally, the number of countries with an updated regulatory framework according to the international basic safety standards.