Abstract
Objectives:Patients often confuse the role of the radiologist with that of the technician. The aim of this study is to explore patients’ current perceptions about the radiology department and to evaluate how it’s possible to get rid of misconceptions using informative animated video in the waiting room.Materials and Methods:In this multi-centric study (UZ Leuven, ZNA Middelheim), 278 patients of all ages and education levels were surveyed in the radiology waiting room. 107 patients filled out the survey after watching an informative animated video (www.makeradiologyvisible.com). The remaining patients did not watch the video.Results:Half of the patients (86/171) in the non-video group believe the radiologist “performs the scanning”, compared to 19% (20/107) in the video group (p < 0.001). Patients who think their own physician will interpret the images is 36% (61/171) in the non-video group and 10% (11/107) in the video group (p < 0.001). In the non-video group, 32% (55/171) believe the technician performs the exam compared to 59% (63/107) in the video group (p < 0.001). After the video, 67% (72/107) of patients have more respect for the work of the radiologist, 52% (56/107) experience less anxiety and 65% (70/107) think the video is of added value to their visit. All items showed a better impact in high-educational subgroups.Conclusion:Animated informative videos help to increase patient knowledge about the radiology department. It moderates expectations, reduces anxiety, and ameliorates the overall experience. Although, the learning curve is steeper in highly educated patients, all educational levels benefit.
Highlights
Throughout history, the diagnostic radiologist has developed an increasing distance from the patient [1]
67% (72/107) of patients have more respect for the work of the radiologist, 52% (56/107) experience less anxiety and 65% (70/107) think the video is of added value to their visit
The learning curve is steeper in highly educated patients, all educational levels benefit
Summary
Throughout history, the diagnostic radiologist has developed an increasing distance from the patient [1]. Because of modern imaging techniques and higher workloads, radiologists today seldom get to meet their patients. There are numerous popular medical TV shows in which a radiologist rarely is involved, which does not improve the overall perception of their role [2]. In 2012, a study in the British Journal of Radiology reported that 76% of patients surveyed in a breast radiology waiting room think the radiologist “takes the x-rays”, 86% say radiologists are “not doctors” and 40% believe radiologists “play no role in patient care” [3]. A study by Grant et al found that up to 38% of patients do not consider radiologists as part of the medical team [4]. There is a significant lack of awareness amongst patients regarding the role and responsibilities of the modern diagnostic radiologist
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