[Factors influencing the performance of medical teams in the early assessment of exposure to radiation--in accident or man-made radiological disasters].

"RadioLogical events" are the general term used to describe various scenarios that involve radiological and nuclear mishaps. These may occur in different settings such as in a nuclear plant, during transportation of isotopes, in a medical or industrial venue, as a result of an accident, natural disaster or as a means of terror or war. Radiological events carry dire medical consequences and are therefore of great concern to both the public and the authorities. The recent disaster in Japan brought the issue of the safety of nuclear pLants to the civil populations residing around them to the public eye once again. A nuclear disaster poses a professional challenge to the medical teams that need to treat victims. Studies show that the readiness and willingness to care for radiation victims is influenced by many factors, among them are knowledge and skills, the resources available and more. The ability of triage staff to identify radiation victims and to identify those prone to deteriorate, will have an effect on the staff's feeling of competitiveness and willingness to treat. Risk communication is an important contributor to the ability to handle the situation properly. Good communication can alleviate concerns in the public and mediate the response in a way that will prevent an overflow of the system by "worried well". The aim of this literature review is to describe the factors that encourage the functioning of teams in a radiological event and to identify and highlight the factors that can influence their performance (positively or negatively).