Computer Assisted Data Management in Assessment of Laser Therapy Compliance among Romanian Patients

Abstract

The use of lasers presents a special type of radiation hazard. As such, the need for safety standards governing use is required. The important distinguishing feature of lasers is that they emit radiation which can exceed the maximum permissible limits of exposure, such that injury to tissues (primarily eye and skin) can occur through thermal, photochemical or acoustical effects. Many current therapies have drawbacks involving patient compliance, but in general, laser therapy has a large acceptance. Our study is part of a larger study concerning laser safety assessment in 10 different institutions that have laser operating rooms. The low level of knowledge concerning laser therapy and safety reflected by our study was not in any way balanced by a special learning session on admission to the laser operating room or by visible and relevant posters in the institutions assessed in present work. The lack of knowledge in laser operating rooms personnel is reflected by the lack of protective measures taken against laser radiation. Those drawbacks were reflected by the lack of confidence of patients in the safety of laser procedures and in general in the capacity to cure of the laser therapy.