Communication of risk and benefit of ionising radiation v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Risk/benefit communication and the pregnant patient - The views of the healthcare professional
IRAS ID
280565
Contact name
Mark Gannon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS FT
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
Knowledge of ionizing radiation exposure amongst radiology professionals is essential to properly counsel and inform patients. All healthcare professionals within the imaging chain (Referrer, Practitioner and Operator) have a crucial responsibility to inform the patients of all aspects of the investigation as well as address any relevant questions and concerns expressed by the patient. In addition these professionals also need to be aware of which imaging modalities best contribute to the most effective care pathway (Portelli et al, 2018). The decision of which investigations to pursue necessitates that both referrer and practitioner know which imaging modalities utilise ionizing radiation and that they correctly understand the implications for relative patient exposure and risk (Ditkofsky. et al, 2016).
Additionally, it is of paramount important that referrers and practitioners have the necessary communication skills required to provide satisfactory information to their patients so as to enable them to make informed decisions relating to their treatment or care.
Unfortunately numerous studies have been performed (Brown et al, 2013; Kada, 2010; Singh et al, 2016; Krille et al, 2010) that indicate limited knowledge in healthcare professionals about radiation dose and radiation risks incurred to patients during common imaging tests. These studies have also indicated inabilities to correctly answer common questions raised by patients.
The majority of work described here is from medical practice outside of the United Kingdom. Currently there is a paucity of studies of patient perspectives to medical imaging utilising ionising radiation within the UK.
Utilising cross sectional observational study approaches this study will locally determine referring clinicians, radiologists and radiation expert’s views and knowledge of ionising radiation, their confidence in delivering this information, their opinions of who should be proffering this advice and techniques employed in framing this often complex information.REC name
N/A
REC reference
N/A