Development of an Irish national policy for the management of pregnant or potentially pregnant patients that are referred for a procedure involving the use of ionising radiation.

Objectives: The management of pregnant or potentially pregnant patients who are referred for medical imaging procedures involving ionising radiation has proven to be a challenge for healthcare providers in Ireland. This has been confirmed by a number of regulatory agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency who have reported poor compliance with legislation, inadequate documentation and sub-optimal patient care.

Methods: An expert group was established to examine the issues that were at the root of these problems and produce recommendations for improvement.