Abstract
Introduction - Advancing technologies offer novel opportunities to share with patients their diagnostic radiological images.1;2 This sharing may occur within the clinical environment under the supervision of a clinician, or patients may involve remote, unsupervised access.2 However, the benefits and risks of such practices have not been widely explored.3
Methods - A questionnaire was designed to measure respondent attitudes towards benefits and risks of image sharing utilising Likert scale type responses and a free text option. The questionnaire was distributed to clinical imaging experts. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results - 121 responses were received. The majority (81.2%, n=95) of respondents agreed that sharing images with patients was ‘a good idea’. Respondents indicated overall agreement with several factors considered to contribute benefit4; 5; 6 including:
Understanding – understanding information shared with them (87.6%, n=106)
Communication – talking with their clinician (76.03%, n=92) and working in partnership (85.13%, n=103)
Adherence – following their care plan (57.85%, n=70) and managing their own health (53.72%, n=65)
Several risks were also identified. These were primarily concerned with:
Images being difficult for patients to interpret (36.36%, n=45)
The potential for causing patient anxiety (27.28%, n=33).
Conclusion - Respondents confirmed that sharing images with patients may provide benefits, but there are risks inherent to this process.
There is a need, therefore, for further work seeking:
Clarification of how identified benefits and risks can be effectively managed
Patients’ perspectives surrounding this process
References
1. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. How it works. Available at https://www.careinformationexchange-nwl.nhs.uk/ (accessed on 07 November 2017)
2. Sectra. Share and collaborate. Available at https://sectra.com/medical/solutionarea/share-and-collaborate/ (accessed on 07 November 2017)
3. Cox, WAS, Cavenagh, P. & Bello, F. (2017) The diagnostic radiological image - identifying the benefits from the literature – Poster Presentation. UKRC/O Congress, 12 - 14 June 2017. Manchester Central Convention Complex.
4. Adams, RJ. (2010) Improving health outcomes with better patient understanding and education, Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2010; 3: 61–72.
5. Thompson, L & McCabe, R. (2012) The effect of clinician-patient alliance and communication on treatment adherence in mental health care: a systematic review, BMC Psychiatry, 12:87
6. Coulter, A. (2012) Patient engagement – what works?, Journal of Ambulatory Care Management, 35(2)
IRAS Project ID 187752
NHS REC Ref 17/LO/0864
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Accepted for publication - Mar 2018 |
| Event | United Kingdom Radiological and Radiation Oncology Congress - The ACC & Exhibition Centre, Liverpool, United Kingdom Duration: 2 Jul 2018 → 4 Jul 2018 http://ukrco.org.uk |
Conference
| Conference | United Kingdom Radiological and Radiation Oncology Congress |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | UKRC |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Liverpool |
| Period | 2/07/18 → 4/07/18 |
| Internet address |
