‘On their side’: Focus group findings regarding the role of MRI radiographers and patient care

'Scanxiety': Content analysis of pre-MRI patient experience on Instagram

INTRODUCTION

Distress and anxiety are commonly reported during the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) experience with prior studies suggesting the pre-MRI period is a time of heightened distress. There is a paucity of literature exploring preprocedural distress and anxiety, in particular qualitative research analysing patient experience. Instagram is rapidly becoming an important social media platform though which to conduct health research. A gradually increasing number of studies have examined social media to gain insight into patient experience within medical radiation science (MRS). This study is considered as the first to explore patient experience of MRI using Instagram as a data source.

METHODS

This study investigated the patient experience during the pre-MRI period by performing a content analysis on open-source Instagram posts. Ethical approval for the study was sought and approved by the Charles Sturt University, Human Research Ethics Committee.

RESULTS

Six themes emerged from the extracted data; Journey to the MRI, Waiting, Anticipating the MRI procedure, Preparing for the MRI procedure, Negative interaction, and Fear of the results.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study provide novel self-reported and unsolicited insight into the diverse, multifactorial, and often concomitant nature of preprocedural MRI anxiety and distress.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This study adds to a growing body of literature advocating for a compassionate, holistic, and person-centered approach when caring for patients in MRI that also considers their emotional and psychological wellbeing.

Radiographer Perspectives on current occurrence and management of claustrophobia in MRI

INTRODUCTION

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is well known to be a source of anxiety for patients, commonly appearing as claustrophobia. One of the main reasons for this is due to the physical nature of the scanner itself. Despite technological improvements, there is lacking evidence on whether these improvements have resulted in a reduction in claustrophobia and anxiety in the clinical setting. Background anxiety associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic may also have shown an increase in prevalence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to survey MRI radiographers on their perspectives on the occurrence and management of claustrophobia in modern day clinical practice.

METHODS

Following ethical approval, an online survey was used to gather the opinions of MRI radiographers. This used closed ranking questions as well as open responses to gain insight into how this issue may be presenting in practice, preferences in management, and barriers to providing support.

RESULTS

Responses provide an up-to-date view on how radiographers perceive both displays of anxiety and associated impacts on patient outcome, the considered sources of anxiety, the use and effectiveness of support strategies, barriers to providing this support, and views on how COVID-19 has impacted on practice.

CONCLUSION

The study provides a current view from radiographers on their experience of claustrophobia in practice. It shows that this remains a regular part of practice within the modality. Therefore, for MRI radiographers managing this is an essential component of their role. Communication and interaction with the patient are recognised as important, although time is a barrier to always being able to provide patient centred care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Ongoing support is needed for both patients and radiographers to improve experience within MRI.

Scoping review: How is virtual reality being used as a tool to support the experience of undergoing Magnetic resonance imaging?

OBJECTIVES

Undergoing a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan continues to be a source of anxiety and concern for many patients. Various interventions have been developed and are used in regular clinical practice to support patients through the procedure. A novel approach which is gaining traction is that of virtual reality (VR) as a tool to support patient experience in MRI. This scoping review considers how it is currently being used and developed and discusses how effective it may be.

KEY FINDINGS

The eight papers found show a range of approaches being used; as a preparatory tool, exposure therapy or distraction technique. All of which show general positive influence on patient anxiety, compliance, and acceptability. The more recent, but limited number of papers, show this to be a developing field.

CONCLUSION

The potential for the use of VR lies in its ability to closely replicate the real world as a preparatory and exposure technique for those likely to experience concerns over the MRI procedure itself. The reality of the virtual environment also provides opportunity to spend time coaching patients in advance without the need to take up actual scanner time, thereby providing a safe space in which preparation and support can be given.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

It is argued that a better understanding of the theoretical basis on which VR may be working would further help development and implementation in clinical practice. This could then support a truly patient-centred approach to management of claustrophobia and associated anxieties related to MRI.

Writing your first paper: An informal guide for medical radiation sciences professionals

Writing and submitting a paper can be a daunting prospect, especially the first time. One of the more challenging aspects is knowing how to begin. Countless projects in the workplace never make it past local dissemination or conference presentation. This informal guide will help you take that next step and begin the peer-reviewed publication journey.

Why isn't there an evidence-based radiography? Reflections and a call to action

In an ideal world all healthcare professionals (including radiographers and medical radiation professionals) would deliver care based on the best available evidence, ensuring best outcomes and optimal use of resources. Unfortunately, we know this is often not the case. This article calls for structural changes to enable the development of an evidence-based radiography.

Addressing the Patient Experience in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Department: Final Results from an Action Research Study

INTRODUCTION

Patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can experience anxiety and claustrophobia. A multimethod action research study was conducted to determine how patient care was currently being delivered in an MRI department and to determine whether this could be improved.

METHODS

This action research study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. Changes were introduced into the department after baseline data collection to address areas for improvement. A survey was conducted of patients to establish their level of satisfaction and/or anxiety and to determine whether this improved during the course of the project. Staff practice was qualitatively observed over the course of the project and observations recorded in a field diary. Finally, focus groups were held with staff.

RESULTS

The project resulted in improved satisfaction and lower anxiety for patients, and increased the amount of patients receiving information compared with the results of a baseline survey. However, these findings were not statistically significant. Among staff, qualitative observations portrayed a renewed focus on the patient in MRI including changes in their actions such as increased use of touch, improved communication, and focused efforts to maintain privacy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study was able to achieve a change in practice through an action research cycle in a MRI department. Over the course of the project, improvements were made to the department, and radiographers changed the way they acted and interacted with patients.

Patient Anxiety and Satisfaction in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Department: Initial Results from an Action Research Study

PURPOSE

The way patients experience health care is largely dependent on the attitudes and actions of the health care professionals they encounter. In medical imaging, the radiographer is often the biggest provider of patient care. Patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can experience anxiety and claustrophobia. The aim of this study was to determine current levels of anxiety and satisfaction within an MRI unit.

METHODS

An action research study was conducted in an MRI unit in a large metropolitan hospital. The focus of this study was on improving patient care within the department. The initial phase of this study focused on determining current levels of anxiety and satisfaction within the department. To achieve this, a survey was conducted of patients attending the department for imaging.

RESULTS

Surveys were returned from 120 patients. Overall, the mean anxiety was 2.617 on a 10-point scale (0 = no anxiety, 10 = maximum anxiety; 95% confidence interval, 2.075-3.159; standard deviation, 3). Overall, the mean satisfaction was 8.86 (95% confidence interval, 8.459-9.254; standard deviation, 2.15). There was a statistically significant difference between anxiety for patients who received information and those who did not (information = 2.29, no information = 4.0, P = .045).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the vast majority of patients are satisfied with the care they receive during MRI, anxiety is still an issue. The provision of information has been linked to lower levels of anxiety with these patients. The findings from this survey provide insight as to how patients perceive the MRI department and can be used as a benchmark for future surveys to determine if any changes can be made to further improve satisfaction and anxiety during MRI.