SOCIALIZATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RADIATION SAFETY MANAGEMENT AND BASIC RADIOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF RADIOLOGY SERVICES AT PIRNGADI GENERAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Improving the quality of radiology services is a critical component of modern disease diagnosis, fundamentally supported by adherence to radiation safety standards and mastery of precise radiography techniques. Protecting patients and medical personnel from ionizing radiation exposure, while simultaneously meeting the growing demand for diagnostic accuracy, has become increasingly important as medical imaging technology advances. Reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes RI) consistently emphasize the urgency of strengthening radiation safety frameworks and highlight persistent gaps in knowledge and application of best practices in patient dose optimization and basic radiographic techniques. These issues are evident at Pirngadi General Hospital, where variability in radiographic techniques and the presence of diagnostic artifacts remain challenges to service quality. To address these gaps, this study evaluated the effectiveness of structured socialization on radiation safety management and basic radiography techniques in enhancing radiology service quality at Pirngadi General Hospital. Specifically, it measured changes in radiology staff knowledge and skills before and after the intervention, while also assessing perceptions of service quality improvement. Guided by Behavior Change Theory, the study hypothesized that socialization would significantly improve both competence and perceptions. Using a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control group design, the study involved 60 radiology officers, divided into intervention (n=30) and control (n=30) groups through purposive sampling. Data collection employed validated questionnaires for knowledge, structured observation sheets with rubrics for skills, and semi-structured interviews for perceptions. Results demonstrated a significant improvement in knowledge among the intervention group, with mean scores rising from 65.2 ± 8.5 to 88.7 ± 5.1 (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 2.95), alongside a substantial increase in practical skills, where 85% of participants demonstrated accurate positioning and optimal parameter settings (p < 0.001). Secondary findings included stronger understanding of the ALARA principle, improved risk identification, and greater confidence in handling complex cases. In conclusion, the socialization program effectively enhanced radiology staff competence and service quality perceptions, offering theoretical validation of socialization-based interventions and practical recommendations for hospital management to integrate continuous training and module development aligned with advancing technology.