Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine

Title abbreviation: Adv Clin Exp Med
JCR Impact Factor (IF) – 1.736
5-Year Impact Factor – 2.135
Index Copernicus  – 168.52
MEiN – 70 pts

ISSN 1899–5276 (print)
ISSN 2451-2680 (online)
Periodicity – monthly

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Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine

2019, vol. 28, nr 7, July, p. 923–929

doi: 10.17219/acem/94146

Publication type: original article

Language: English

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Patient awareness, perception and attitude to contrast-enhanced CT examination: Implications for communication and compliance with patients’ preferences

Alena Lambertova1,A,B,C,E,F, Pavel Harsa1,A,E,F, Lukas Lambert2,A,B,C,D,F, Petr Kuchynka3,C,D,F, Jan Briza4,D,E,F, Andrea Burgetova2,D,E,F

1 Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic

2 Department of Radiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic

3 2nd Department of Medicine – Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic

4 1st Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

Background. Despite the high volume of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) examinations, there is limited awareness about its risks among patients and little is known about the influence of patient information sheets.
Objectives. The objective of this study was to assess patients’ awareness and perception of risks related to CECT examination and how they are influenced by an information sheet.
Material and Methods. A total of 263 adult patients scheduled for a CECT examination completed a questionnaire. The first page evaluated patients’ characteristics, their fear and awareness about examination-related risks, and source of information. Page 2 contained the Zung self-rating anxiety scale. After reading the information sheet, patients completed page 3 that surveyed how their awareness and fear had changed.
Results. Nearly half of the patients underestimated the risk of secondary malignancy (n = 121, 46%), or the risk of renal impairment (n = 110, 42%). The vast majority (n = 227, 86%) stated that they were not instructed to maintain fluid intake up to 1 h before the procedure. After reading the information sheet, patients generally corrected their knowledge, but 195 (74%) reported experiencing greater fear (p < 0.0001). Fear was more pronounced in younger female patients who had not undergone CT previously. Patients feared the result more than examination-related risks. Most patients (n = 204, 78%) would feel uncomfortable before receiving the examination result.
Conclusion. Most patients do not assess risks related to CECT examination correctly. Although the information sheet improves patients’ understanding of CECT-related risks, it lacks empathically delivered reassurance and increases their fear. Fast communication of examination results would make patients feel more comfortable.

Key words

multidetector computed tomography, radiation exposure, patient education, test anxiety scale, patient preference

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