Medical radiation at the crossroads of complexity and opportunity: New staff perceptions

Background New hospital staff represent a critical yet underexplored group in radiation safety research. Their initial perceptions and early experiences with safety systems are formative, shaping long-term professional behaviours and highlighting systemic gaps in onboarding and safety culture. Aim This study aimed to analyze the perceptions of new hospital staff regarding the complexities and opportunities within current radiation safety practices in a clinical setting. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a sample of 84 new hospital staff with less than one year of clinical experience. An anonymous 12-item questionnaire was distributed to assess perceptions across four domains: (1) Procedural Adherence and Workflow, (2) Resource Availability and Use, (3) Organizational Safety Climate, and (4) Monitoring, Feedback, and Improvement. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings. Results The majority of participants (58.4%) perceived radiation safety checks as effectively integrated into clinical workflows, and a similar proportion (58.4%) reported that safety responsibilities were clearly defined. However, a substantial minority reported challenges, with 44.0% stating that protective equipment was not reliably accessible. Lack of awareness (32.1%) and competing priorities (29.8%) were the most frequently cited barriers to safe practice. While 50.0% of participants rated inter-departmental coordination as effective, 34.6% perceived it as ineffective. Conclusion New hospital staff perceive both strengths and significant gaps in radiation safety systems. Targeted onboarding programs, improved equipment accessibility, and enhanced inter-professional communication are essential to building a robust radiation safety culture from the earliest stages of a healthcare career.