HAWTHORNE EFFECT - SHORTENING OF FLUOROSCOPY TIMES DURING RADIATION MEASUREMENT STUDIES

Screening times were recorded before (n = 92, 13 radiologists) and aft er (n = 75, 6 radiologists) commencing a protocol with dose-area produ ct (DAP) measurements and filling of structured questionnaires. Fluoro scopy times were significantly (p = 0.0001) longer before starting the se measurements (median 4.3, mean 5.2 min) than during them (median 3. 2, mean 3.6 min), which indicates a Hawthorne effect. Fluoroscopy time s did not increase during the DAP measurement period up to 21 barium e nemas and a study period of up to 45 days per radiologist. Previous fl uoroscopic radiation measurements based on action during an analysis p eriod may be biased towards too short fluoroscopy times and too low do ses. Radiation measurement, even if not scientifically indicated, seem s a practical way of reducing doses.