AN ADMINISTRATIVE CHALLENGE: NUCLEAR MEDICINE

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1961 · Hosp. Progr.

OSTI ID:4740132

Hellman, J S

The development of nuclear medicine facilities in hospitals in the United States is discussed, particularly in relation to the problems presented to hospital administration for understanding, organizing, and planning such facilities. The increase in the number of hospital radioisotope departments from 1952 to 1958 was 300%, a growth unparalleled by any other major hospital service. Today, 20%, of the hospitals in the U. S. maintain radioisotope departments. Reasons for the relative lag among smaller hospitals are discussed. Responsibilities of administrations, in seeing that A.E.C. licensing requirements for the use of radioisotopes in general hospitals are maintained, are outlined. Organization of a hospital isotopes committee and appointment of a safety officer is commented on. After an outline of the various radioisotope techniques most useful to the general hospital, the cost of the necessary equipment and other laboratory facilities is estimated. Other problems discussed in relation to responsibilities of hospital administrators include laundry decontamination, shielding, training of nursing personnel, information programs for personnel, legalities arising over radiation exposure claims, and the corresponding need for the keeping of records, autopsies, insurance, waste disposal, public fears and misconceptions, sanitation, and film badge monitoring. (H.H.D.)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-17-017668
• OSTI ID: 4740132
• Journal Information: Hosp. Progr., Journal Name: Hosp. Progr. Vol. Vol: 42
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
DECONTAMINATION
ECONOMICS
IRRADIATION
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
MEDICINE
MONITORING
PERSONNEL
PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM DETECTORS
RADIOISOTOPES
SAFETY
SHIELDING
USES
WASTE DISPOSAL