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Patient awareness, perception and attitude to contrast-enhanced CT examination: Implications for communication and
Alena Lambertova1, Pavel Harsa1, Lukas Lambert2
1Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic.
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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