Informing Patients About the Cancer Induction Risk of Undergoing Computed Tomography Imaging: The Radiographers'...

In the midst of debates about the actual risk posed from computed tomography (CT) imaging, there is a general consensus that patients have a right to information. Despite this, communication of the potential cancer induction risk from CT scans is poor, leading to poor patient awareness. Without adequate awareness of any significant risks patients might be deprived of the opportunity to take part in their own care and, therefore, the opportunity for patient-centered care is missed. The aims of this study were to determine whether CT radiographers provide patients with information about cancer induction risks from CT scans and the rationale for their practices.

A qualitative constructivism philosophical approach was taken. Online data collection tools in the form of questionnaires and one-to-one semistructured interviews were used. CT radiographers from five hospitals in the Greater London (the United Kingdom) region took part in the study.

The sample size for the survey and interviews were 38 and eight, respectively, and the response rate was 33.63%. In the study, 63.16% of participants informed their patients of the cancer induction risk "sometimes." Ultimately, five main concepts that influence communication practices were identified: anxiety, knowledge, time or workload, perceived professional responsibility, and the patients' right to information. Anxiety was found to facilitate and hinder communication.

The results from this study outline that CT radiographers took a passive approach to risk communication more often than not. Their reasons loosely focused on not wanting to discourage patients from having scans, a lack of time and a large gap in radiation risk knowledge. In conclusion, CT radiographers may need to take a more active approach to providing patients with information about the potential radiocarcinogenic risk if truly patient-centered care is to be realized.