Knowledge and Attitudes of Emergency Department Patients Regarding Radiation Risk of CT: Effects of Age, Sex, Race, Education, Insurance, Body Mass Index, Pain, and Seriousness of Illness

Abstract

Patients did not estimate the risk of development of cancer from their imaging examinations as high and were more concerned about having their condition diagnosed with CT than about the risk of future cancer. Knowledge and attitudes differed by age, race, education, insurance status, and pain level but not by sex, body mass index, or perceived seriousness of condition.

Survey-Based Assessment of Patients’ Understanding of Their Own Imaging Examinations

“…Thus, patients may have a general expectation that all physicians participating in their care will be available for consultation, or patients may simply be at greater ease once they have had direct human interaction with the doctor interpreting their images. Such findings are consistent with past studies that report a desire by patients to receive more information regarding radiologic testing directly from their health care providers [10,12,13]. Finally, our data do not make clear why patients undergoing imaging to follow-up on a known cancer were less likely to wish to meet with the radiologist before the examination.…”

Patient Knowledge and Understanding of Radiation From Diagnostic Imaging

“…[6][7][8] When considering why patients might be poorly informed, several possibilities exist. Many health care providers have little knowledge about radiation and thus are poorly equipped educators.…”

“…Strategies included routine cytologic screening at 1-to 5-year intervals and a baseline scenario reflecting current US screening rates. 6 Costs included screening, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, patient time, and patient transportation (eTable 3). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated (additional cost divided by the additional health benefit of a strategy compared with the next-less-costly strategy) and discussed in the context of $50 000 to $100 000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, commonly cited thresholds indicating good value for money in the United States.…”

Assessment Level of Awareness Toward Radiation Exposure Risk Among Community in Makkah City.

“…Two recent studiesconfirmed that the most of patients (74%) would consider that having their situation diagnosed with CT ismore important than disturbing about radiation and patients had insufficient knowledge about radiation protection (15,20) .…”