Opinions of patients related to radiology department during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim: Patients experience tension due to the measures that should be taken against the COVID-19 pandemic in radiology departments. The objective of this study was to measure the opinions of patients related to the radiology department during the pandemic. Material and Methods: The survey developed by the researcher in line with the current literature was applied to measure the satisfaction of patients in the radiology department. The survey consisted of 26 questions, the first six of which involved demographic characteristics. The survey was conducted with a face-to-face interview method. Results: The study included 300 patients referred to the radiology department due to any reason and who were voluntarily participated. The responders answered the questions that “Did you get information about your radiology examination before your appointment?” as “no” by 78%, “Did you have any questions to radiology department staff after your examinations?” as “yes” by 26% and “Did the staff of the radiology department and/or the radiologist take the time to answer your questions?” as “no” by 60.4%. The overall rate of satisfaction with the services delivered in the radiology department was found as 95%. Discussion: Our survey shows that as high as 95% of the patients who were referred to the radiology department for imaging for any reason were satisfied with the radiology department during the pandemic. Such satisfaction surveys in departments such as radiology, where patients have limited access to staff, especially radiologists, provide valuable feedback to clinicians and other healthcare providers.