The need to increase patient awareness of radiation exposure in imaging modalities: A study on the awareness and attitude of patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nA decline in requests for unnecessary imaging can be achieved through increased patient awareness about imaging modalities and can thus reduce radiation exposure. This study aimed to evaluate patient awareness and attitude about radiation exposure in various imaging modalities.\n\n\nMETHODS\nThis cross-sectional study was performed on 900 patients and used a 12-item questionnaire, of which 824 were fulfilled and analyzed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 18.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe age of respondents ranged from 18-82; most participants were male (71.5%). The highest patient-estimated radiation exposures were for radiology, CT scans, and mammography. More than 20% of individuals believed that ionizing radiation (IR) is used in MRI, and 60% stated that IR is not used in mammography. Results show a significant statistical difference between attitude and behavior of respondents on the question about knowing who to address questions to in regard to amount of radiation, but they asked the person who is more accessible such as a radiology technologist instead of a medical physicist (P\xa0<\xa00.05). In addition, there was significant statistical difference between question 3 (X-ray is used in which method of radiation?) and question 4 (scoring of radiation exposure in each of the imaging modalities; Score one means no radiation, score has more than one meaning of rays), which indicates accuracy of responses of referees (P\xa0<0.05). 73.4% of individuals agree about the importance of reduction of radiation during imaging, and most of the individuals (87%) tended to be aware of radiation exposure in each of imaging modalities.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nGiven the low patient awareness about imaging modalities and radiation dose, it is recommended to prepare brochures and guidance about radiation exposure and absorbed doses in each modality, to be provided and displayed in imaging clinics.