Awareness of medical radiation exposure among patients: A patient survey as a first step for effective communication of ionizing radiation risks.

Ria, Francesco

Bergantin, A

Vai, A

Bonfanti, P

Martinotti, AS

Redaelli, I

Invernizzi, M

Pedrinelli, G

Bernini, G

Papa, S

Samei, Ehsan

Italy

2017-11-09T15:50:37Z

2017-11-09T19:13:35Z

2017-12-11T21:21:16Z

2017-12-11T21:21:16Z

2017-11

INTRODUCTION: The European Directive 2013/59/EURATOM requires patient radiation dose information to be included in the medical report of radiological procedures. To provide effective communication to the patient, it is necessary to first assess the patient's level of knowledge regarding medical exposure. The goal of this work is to survey patients' current knowledge level of both medical exposure to ionizing radiation and professional disciplines and communication means used by patients to garner information. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was designed comprised of thirteen questions: 737 patients participated in the survey. The data were analysed based on population age, education, and number of radiological procedures received in the three years prior to survey. RESULTS: A majority of respondents (56.4%) did not know which modality uses ionizing radiation. 74.7% had never discussed with healthcare professionals the risk concerning their medical radiological procedures. 70.1% were not aware of the professionals that have expertise to discuss the use of ionizing radiation for medical purposes, and 84.7% believe it is important to have the radiation dose information stated in the medical report. CONCLUSION: Patients agree with new regulations that it is important to know the radiation level related to the medical exposure, but there is little awareness in terms of which modalities use X-Rays and the professionals and channels that can help them to better understand the exposure information. To plan effective communication, it is essential to devise methods and adequate resources for key professionals (medical physicists, radiologists, referring physicians) to convey correct and effective information.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29195563

S1120-1797(17)30486-6

1724-191X

https://hdl.handle.net/10161/15847

eng

Phys Med

10.1016/j.ejmp.2017.10.014

http://hdl.handle.net/10161/15739

10161/15739

http://hdl.handle.net/10161/15744

10161/15744

Effective communication

Patient awareness

Radiation risk

Awareness of medical radiation exposure among patients: A patient survey as a first step for effective communication of ionizing radiation risks.

Journal article

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29195563

57

62

Clinical Science Departments

Duke

Radiology

School of Medicine

Temp group - logins allowed

Published

43