Patients' understanding of brain imaging and incidental findings
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The understanding of magnetic resonance imaging and incidental findings in persons presenting to a cognitive clinic
IRAS ID
240152
Contact name
Suvankar Pal
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NA, NA
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
Patients presenting for evaluation of cognitive impairment routinely undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain to evaluate the clinical diagnosis of dementia and to investigate reversible causes. MRI can sometimes detect a previously undiagnosed condition that is not related to the presenting complaint, for example a bulging of the arteries or rarely a brain tumour. Most incidental findings do not require treatment; nevertheless, they can provoke anxiety in patients and their family. It has been argued that knowledge on incidental findings prior to MRI enhances autonomy and reduces patient anxiety if an incidental finding is subsequently identified. Persons with cognitive impairment frequently experience anxiety related to their condition but may conversely be less able to understand information surrounding incidental findings and MRI. Thus, to minimise the risk of misunderstood information affecting emotional wellbeing it is important to tailor such information to the needs of the person with cognitive impairment. Further, the present study aims to investigate patients’ feelings surrounding the MRI examination procedure and their perception of the role of imaging in the diagnosis of dementia.
Prior to MRI the concept and consequences of incidental findings are routinely discussed with patients of the Anne Rowling cognitive clinic. Eligible patients and their family members or caregivers will subsequently be invited to participate in an in-depth semi-structured interview and to answer Likert and multiple choice questions. In cases where the patient is unable to consent to participate, the accompanying family member will be invited to answer questions about their own understanding of incidental findings. Interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis of qualitative data will follow Charmaz' constructivist grounded theory approach; coding will be undertaken by one researcher. Survey questions will be analysed using summary statistics. Patient feedback on the interpretation of the results of this study will be gathered.REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
18/SS/0082
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion