Introducing ICRP Publication 157:
Ethics in Radiological Protection for Patients in Diagnosis and Treatment
22 August 2025 | 12:00 - 14:00 UTC | Virtual Event
ICRP Task Group 109 has recently published ICRP Publication 157: Ethics in Radiological Protection for Patients in Diagnosis and Treatment. This webinar addresses important points of the report through presentations by Task Group members.
Participants who attend at least 50% of the workshop will receive a Certificate of Attendance via email within 48 hours of the event.
Publication Abstract
Publication 138 defines the ethical foundations of the ICRP System of Radiological Protection based on core values (beneficence and non-maleficence, dignity, justice, and prudence) and procedural values (accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness). The purpose of the present publication is to propose a practical application of values for medical radiological protection professions. As medicine has a long history and strong culture of ethics, this publication starts by identifying the shared values, and defines a common language between biomedical ethics and radiological protection. The core values are very similar, with the autonomy of biomedical ethics, which can be seen as a corollary of dignity, and the precautionary principle, which can be understood as the implementation of prudence. In recent years, medical education and training has emphasised the values of solidarity, honesty, and, above all, empathy. All these values are defined and interpreted in the specific context of the use of ionising radiation in medicine. For those more familiar with radiological protection, the ethical implications of their actions are described. Conversely, for those who already have a good background in ethics, this publication highlights the specificities of ionising radiation that also deserve consideration. In order to emphasise the coherence between the values involved in biomedical ethics and those involved in radiological protection, this publication proposes to combine them: dignity and autonomy; beneficence and non-maleficence; prudence and precaution; justice and solidarity; transparency, accountability, and honesty; and inclusiveness and empathy. This allows a structured review of practical situations from an ethical perspective. For the sake of both example and education, this publication proposes 21 realistic scenarios (11 in imaging procedures and 10 in radiation therapies). Sensitising questions are provided to stimulate reflection and discussion.
The ultimate goal is to be able to use ethical values in clinical imaging and therapy situations. Required education and training in ethics is essential for medical radiological workers throughout their career span. An example of a framework of knowledge, skills, and competencies is proposed. In order to assist the reader in a theoretically complex subject, key messages are distributed throughout the text as fixed points that can be easily understood. Although primarily aimed at medical radiological protection professionals, this publication is also intended for authorities, patients, and the public.
PROGRAMME
12:00
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Overview and Summary of ReportFrançois Bochud (ICRP & CHUV, Lausanne Switzerland) |
12:15
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Ethics in Radiological Protection and Link with Biomedical EthicsFriedo Zölzer (ICRP & USB, Budweis Czech Republic) |
12:30
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Key Developments in Clinical Practice That Implement the Core Values of Biomedical EthicsChieko Kurihara-Saio (ICRP & NIQRST, Chiba Japan) |
12:45
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Sensitizing Questions for Reviewing Clinical SituationsLynette Reid (ICRP & DU, Halifax Canada) |
13:00
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Reviewing Practice From an Ethical Perspective – Presentation of the MethodJim Malone (ICRP & Trinity College Dublin, Ireland) |
13:10
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Case Based Examples in Imaging ProceduresJim Malone (ICRP & Trinity College Dublin, Ireland) |
13:20
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Case Based Examples in TherapyMary Coffey (ICRP & Trinity College Dublin, Ireland) & Jim Malone (ICRP & Trinity College Dublin, Ireland) |
13:35
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Education and Training in EthicsKimberly Applegate (ICRP & University of Kentucky, USA) |