(1038) Improving Radiation Quality and Safety in the NICU through the Implementation of a Standardized X-ray Protocol

Diagnostic radiology is a necessary component for proper treatment of neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It is used to diagnose and monitor respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, as well as to manage the placement of endotracheal tubes (ETT). Providers rely on the quality of these x-rays as they serve as guidance in making medical diagnoses and decisions. Poor quality x-ray images can lead to unnecessary radiation exposure and manipulation of ETTs in vulnerable neonates. The purpose of this project is to implement a standardized x-ray protocol to improve the quality of x-rays and decrease ETT manipulations in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.