Medical Imaging Outpatients' Experiences With Receiving Information Required for Informed Consent and Preparation: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Medical imaging outpatients often experience inadequate information provision and report high levels of anxiety. However, no studies have assessed patients’ receipt of preparatory information in this setting. OBJECTIVE: To examine medical imaging outpatients’ perceived receipt or non-receipt of preparatory information from health professionals and imaging department staff prior to their procedure. METHOD: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging outpatients at one Australian hospital self-completed a touchscreen computer survey assessing their perceived receipt of 33 guideline-recommended preparatory information items. RESULTS: Of 317 eligible patients, 280 (88%) consented to participate. Eight percent (95% confidence interval: 5%-12%) of participants reported receiving all information items. The median number of information items not received was 18 (interquartile range: 8-25). Items most frequently endorsed as “not received” were: how to manage anxiety after (74%) and during the scan (69%). Items most commonly endorsed as “received” were: reason for referral (85%) and how to find the imaging department (74%). CONCLUSION: Few medical imaging outpatients recalled receiving recommended preparatory information. Preparatory communication needs to be improved to better meet patient-centered service imperatives.