Meyer EC, Lamiani G, Luff D, Brown SD. Voices emerging from the shadows: Radiologic practitioners' experiences of challenging conversations.
PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2017;
100:133-138. [PMID:
27639514 DOI:
10.1016/j.pec.2016.07.033]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Traditionally, radiologists have practiced their profession behind the scenes. Today, radiologic practitioners face mounting expectations to communicate more directly with patients. However, their experiences with patient communication are not well understood. The aim of this study was to describe the challenges of radiologic practitioners when communicating with patients.
METHODS
Twelve day-long interprofessional communication skills workshops for radiologic clinicians were held at Boston Children's Hospital. Prior to each workshop, participants were asked to write narratives describing experiences with difficult radiologic conversations that they found particularly challenging or satisfying. The narratives were transcribed and analyzed through thematic content analysis by two researchers.
RESULTS
Radiologists, radiology trainees, technologists, nurses, and medical interpreters completed 92 narratives. The most challenging aspects of healthcare conversations included: Conveying Serious News (n=44/92; 48%); Expanded Scope of Radiologic Practice (n=37/92; 40%); Inexperience and Gaps in Education (n=15/92; 16%); Clinical Uncertainty (n=14/92; 15%); and Interprofessional Teamwork (n=9/92; 10%).
CONCLUSION
Radiologic clinicians face substantial communicative challenges focused on conveying serious, unexpected and uncertain diagnoses amid practical challenges and limited educational opportunities.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
Innovative educational curricula that address these challenges may enhance radiologic practitioners' success in adopting patient-centered communication.
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