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Exploring communication gaps and parental needs during paediatric CT scan risk-benefit dialogue in
Abel Karera1, Penehupifo N Neliwa1, Mondjila Amkongo1
1Department of Radiography, School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, P.O Box 13301 Windhoek, Namibia.
Insights
Parents in under-resourced settings often receive inadequate information about paediatric computed tomography (CT) scans, leading to anxiety and uninformed decisions. Improving risk-benefit communication is essential for better patient experiences and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Paediatric Radiology
- Health Communication
Background:
- Informed consent is critical for paediatric computed tomography (CT) procedures, especially in resource-limited areas.
- CT scans provide vital diagnostic data but pose radiation risks to children.
- Parents are key decision-makers, requiring clear risk-benefit communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore parental experiences with risk-benefit communication for paediatric CT scans in under-resourced healthcare facilities.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews.
- 13 parents of paediatric patients undergoing CT scans were interviewed.
- Data analyzed using Tesch's eight-step method and ATLAS.ti software.
Main Results:
- Parents reported a compromised consenting process with inadequate explanations and limited risk-benefit information.
- Deficient communication regarding the procedure and examination results was common.
- Parents desired comprehensive information and expressed anxiety due to communication gaps.
Conclusions:
- Enhancing risk-benefit communication for paediatric CT scans is crucial.
- Healthcare providers should utilize simplified language, visual aids, and patient-centered discussions.
- Improved communication strategies can reduce parental anxiety and enhance decision-making in resource-constrained settings.
Background:
Clear communication during informed consent is crucial in paediatric computed tomography (CT) procedures, particularly in resource-constrained settings. CT offers valuable diagnostic information but carries potential radiation risks, especially for paediatric patients. Parents play a critical role in decision-making, necessitating thorough risk-benefit discussions. This study aimed to explore parental experiences regarding risk-benefit communication during their children's CT scans in under-resourced healthcare facilities.
Methods:
A qualitative approach with a descriptive design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 purposefully selected and consenting parents accompanying paediatric patients for CT scans at two public hospitals. Data were analysed using Tesch's eight-step method and ATLAS.ti software.
Results:
Participants were parents of children aged 0-10 years (8 males, 5 females), with 11 making their first visit to the CT department. Three main themes emerged: (1) Compromised consenting process, characterised by inadequate explanation of consent and limited risk-benefit communication; (2) Procedural information deficiency, including minimal communication about the procedure and lack of information on examination results; and (3) Preference for improved communication, with parents expressing a desire for comprehensive information and varied opinions on who should disseminate this information. Parents reported feeling uninformed, anxious, and unable to make well-informed decisions due to communication gaps.
Conclusions:
Significant improvements are needed in risk-benefit communication during paediatric CT scans. Healthcare providers should use simplified language, visual aids, and patient-centred discussions to enhance understanding and reduce parental anxiety. Radiographers should allocate sufficient time for discussions, involve referring physicians when necessary, and document the informed consent process thoroughly. Addressing these issues can improve patient experiences and contribute to positive health outcomes in resource-constrained settings.
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