ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book introduces the ethical values that are essential to the practice of radiation protection of the patient. It is designed to be relatively short, authoritative and accessible, rather than exhaustive. The book develops the pragmatic set of values, essential to the practice of radiation protection in radiology and radiotherapy. It extends the reflection to additional values that would support and improve the practice of radiation protection in medicine in the future. The book illustrates how the values impact clinical situations in practice and provide concrete examples to help the reader visualise how their application might evolve. It broadens the perspective by looking beyond immediate concerns and examines the ethics–science relationship and addresses questions of heritage, sustainability, and impact of the approach into the future.
