Organization of Radiation Safety in Medical Organizations: Criteria for Assessment and Quality Management Approaches (A Literature Review)
Dauren Usmagambetov, Yerbolat Iztleuov, Zamza Khairullina, Kenzhegul Kaniyeva, Salavat Bakhytzhanov
A
BSTRACT
Background:
The increasing use of diagnostic imaging procedures involving ionizing radiation, particularly computed tomography (CT), has improved diagnostic capabilities while raising concerns regarding patient and occupational radiation exposure. Consequently, radiation safety has become an important component of healthcare quality management and patient safety. Modern radiation protection systems require integrated organizational and quality management approaches beyond technical compliance alone. The study aimed to analyze current approaches to the organization of radiation safety in medical institutions and evaluate assessment criteria and quality management strategies.
Materials and Methods:
A narrative expert review was conducted using publications identified through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with the final search performed on June 25, 2026. The evidence was synthesized descriptively across the principal organizational, regulatory, technical, and quality-management domains of radiation safety. Scientific articles, international guidelines, regulatory documents, and quality management recommendations published mainly between 2000 and 2026 were analyzed. The review focused on organizational, regulatory, technical, and quality management aspects of radiation safety in healthcare institutions.
Results:
Effective radiation safety systems require integrated organizational frameworks including qualified personnel, radiation safety committees, quality assurance programs, clinical audits, dose monitoring systems, and continuous staff training. The Structure–Process–Outcome model was identified as a practical framework for assessing radiation safety effectiveness using structural, process, and outcome indicators. Major organizational challenges include insufficient training, outdated equipment, weak safety culture, and variability between institutions. Modern quality management approaches, including corrective and preventive actions systems, risk-based management, digital audits, and automated dose monitoring technologies, contribute to the optimization of radiation protection practices and continuous quality improvement.
Conclusion:
Integrated management approaches combining quality assurance, continuous monitoring, and organizational support are essential for effective and sustainable radiation safety in modern diagnostic radiology.