Medical Imaging Outpatients' Experiences With Receiving Information Required for Informed Consent and Preparation: A...

Medical imaging outpatients often experience inadequate information provision and report high levels of anxiety. However, no studies have assessed patients' receipt of preparatory information in this setting.

To examine medical imaging outpatients' perceived receipt or non-receipt of preparatory information from health professionals and imaging department staff prior to their procedure.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging outpatients at one Australian hospital self-completed a touchscreen computer survey assessing their perceived receipt of 33 guideline-recommended preparatory information items.

Of 317 eligible patients, 280 (88%) consented to participate. Eight percent (95% confidence interval: 5%-12%) of participants reported receiving all information items. The median number of information items not received was 18 (interquartile range: 8-25). Items most frequently endorsed as "not received" were: how to manage anxiety after (74%) and during the scan (69%). Items most commonly endorsed as "received" were: reason for referral (85%) and how to find the imaging department (74%).

Few medical imaging outpatients recalled receiving recommended preparatory information. Preparatory communication needs to be improved to better meet patient-centered service imperatives.