Promoting Public Awareness and Communicating Radiation Safety

Abstract

Information and communication technologies have rapidly advanced in the last decade. Moreover, communication through the internet has become two-ways in recent years. People who were only able to receive information through web pages are now able to publish their own information or even criticisms in real time. The advent of social media platforms is facilitating a more direct and real-time communication between the source of information and the users. This new feature poses some challenges to the organizations involved in educating professionals and disseminating information to patients and public about radiation safety. There are indications that harnessing the power of these new communication tools could be effective in reaching those who are interested and in raising awareness about radiation safety in medicine. However, this is a relatively new approach and data about its effectiveness are scarce. Nevertheless, many organizations are already exploring the advantages and the power of modern real time, communication. In this chapter a brief review of the international literature on the advantages, disadvantages and pitfalls of the new media is provided. Information about the use of the internet and social media by the Radiation Protection of Patients Unit of the International Atomic Energy Agency is also presented. These data might be used as a guide for other organizations, interested in using such media for raising public awareness.