Patient awareness, perception and attitude to contrast-enhanced CT examination: Implications for communication and compliance with patients' preferences
Language English Country Poland Media print
Document type Journal Article
PubMed
31106529
DOI
10.17219/acem/94146
Knihovny.cz E-resources
- Keywords
- multidetector computed tomography, patient education, patient preference, radiation exposure, test anxiety scale,
- MeSH
- Patient Compliance * MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Communication * MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Multidetector Computed Tomography adverse effects methods MeSH
- Patient Preference * MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Radiation Exposure MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Awareness MeSH
- Patient Education as Topic MeSH
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
BACKGROUND: Despite the high volume of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) examinations, there is limited awareness about its risks among patients and little is known about the influence of patient information sheets. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess patients' awareness and perception of risks related to CECT examination and how they are influenced by an information sheet. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 263 adult patients scheduled for a CECT examination completed a questionnaire. The first page evaluated patients' characteristics, their fear and awareness about examination-related risks, and source of information. Page 2 contained the Zung self-rating anxiety scale. After reading the information sheet, patients completed page 3 that surveyed how their awareness and fear had changed. RESULTS: Nearly half of the patients underestimated the risk of secondary malignancy (n = 121, 46%), or the risk of renal impairment (n = 110, 42%). The vast majority (n = 227, 86%) stated that they were not instructed to maintain fluid intake up to 1 h before the procedure. After reading the information sheet, patients generally corrected their knowledge, but 195 (74%) reported experiencing greater fear (p < 0.0001). Fear was more pronounced in younger female patients who had not undergone CT previously. Patients feared the result more than examination-related risks. Most patients (n = 204, 78%) would feel uncomfortable before receiving the examination result. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients do not assess risks related to CECT examination correctly. Although the information sheet improves patients' understanding of CECT-related risks, it lacks empathically delivered reassurance and increases their fear. Fast communication of examination results would make patients feel more comfortable.
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