Patients’ perception of radiographers’ communication skills during planar X-Ray imaging

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to explore the patients’ perception of radiographers’ communication skills during a planar x-ray imaging examination performed at a medical imaging department in a public general hospital in Malta. Objectives: The objectives were to acquire and read existing related literature on the communication aspect of planar x-ray radiography and see if there are any gaps in the literature. Develop a questionnaire which was distributed to patients’ attending an x-ray examination. Collect data and analyse it to view any trends and understand if the patients’ perception on radiographers’ communication skills is fully understood by patients. Methodology: The study was conducted through the administration of a self-designed questionnaire to a random sample of patients attending for planar x-ray imaging at a medical imaging department at general public hospital in Malta. The participants filled in the questionnaire consisting of demographic data and to score a series of statements on a Likert scale of 1-4, with 1 being ‘Very unsatisfied’, 2 being ‘Unsatisfied’, 3 being ‘Satisfied’ and 4 being ‘Very satisfied’. The Friedman test and Kruskal Wallis test were used to analyse the data collected from this study. Results: The results from the study show that all mean scores were either 3 (Satisfied) or 4 (Very Satisfied) and that there were no significant discrepancies when comparing the different demographics which were included in the study (p > 0.05). However, it was also seen that females provided significantly higher mean rating scores than males. From the Friedman test performed it was seen that patient’s scores varied the most in the statement ‘Radiographers informed me on what they had to do next’. Conclusions: The mechanism in place for training radiographers in patient communication appears to be effective, as patients are given instructions clearly and without undue discomfort. To investigate other demographics and discover whether there are any relationships between them, additional research would be required. To make it simpler for patients once they have completed the x-ray and put their minds at ease during their entire stay at the hospital, a clearer pathway should be implemented.