Sustainability Practices and Awareness in Radiology: A Role-Based Survey

INTRODUCTION: Sustainability in radiology has gained increasing attention due to the high energy consumption and resource use associated with imaging services. However, how sustainability-related practices vary across professional roles within radiology departments remains insufficiently described.
METHODS: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among radiologists (including residents) and radiology technicians working in the radiology department of a tertiary care hospital between January and March 2025. The survey assessed sustainability-related awareness, daily practices, and perceived barriers. Data were analyzed descriptively and interpreted using a role-based analytical framework.
RESULTS: Sustainability-related practices clustered along distinct segments of the radiology workflow rather than being uniformly distributed across staff roles. Operational practices were more commonly observed among radiology technicians, whereas decision-oriented practices—including protocol optimization, digitalization, and acceptance of remote working models—were more commonly observed among radiologists. Awareness of emerging sustainable imaging technologies remained limited overall (24.8%, n=40). Insufficient institutional training (66.5%, n=107) and the lack of structured sustainability initiatives were among the most frequently reported barriers; limited awareness of contrast media recycling practices further illustrated this institutional gap.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Sustainability-related practices in radiology appear to be shaped by role-specific responsibilities rather than uniform behaviors across staff groups. A role-based perspective provides descriptive insight into current sustainability practices and may help inform future discussions and initiatives without implying definitive practice changes.

Keywords: Radiology, sustainability, green radiology, survey, workflow, healthcare practices