SCAI Multi-Society Position Statement on Occupational Health Hazards of the Catheterization Laboratory: Shifting the Paradigm for Healthcare Workers’ Protection

February 11, 2020 — Advances in interventional imaging techniques and treatments over the last three decades have achieved significant success with clear benefits to our patients; yet protective measures for workers have unfortunately lagged the pace, magnitude, and impact of this therapeutic progress. The purpose of this position statement (accompanied by an editorial) is to review the data documenting occupational health injuries, summarize current equipment and processes that can be widely applied to optimize protection, emphasize the importance of investment by hospitals and health systems in protective equipment established to enhance workplace safety, examine barriers that need to be overcome to spur advances to enhance the occupational safety of the fluoroscopic laboratory environment, and propose enhanced advocacy for innovation.

The Heart Rhythm Society endorsed the document on October 16, 2019.