Patients’ perception of radiographers’ communication skills during planar X-ray imaging : a single centre study

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate radiographers’ communication skills during planar x-ray imaging examinations at a general hospital from a patient’s perspective. A self-designed questionnaire was developed which was distributed to a group of patients attending randomly for a planar x-ray examination between January and March 2023 at a medical imaging department of a general hospital in Malta. Data was collected and analysed to identify trends and understand the patients’ perspective of radiographers’ communication skills. Participants (n=83) filled out a questionnaire consisting of demographic data and scored a series of statements on a Likert scale of 1-4, with 1 being ‘Very unsatisfied’ and 4 being ‘Very satisfied’. The Friedman test and Kruskal Wallis test were used to analyse the gathered data. Median scores were either 3-Satisfied or 4-Very Satisfied. There were no significant discrepancies when comparing the different demographics included in the study (p>0.05). Females provided significantly higher rating scores than males (p<0.05). Patients’ scores varied the most in the statement ‘Radiographers

informed me of what they had to do next’. This is the first study of its kind performed locally evaluating radiographer’s communication skills from the patients’ perspective. The mechanism in place locally for training radiographers in patient communication appears to be effective, as patients indicated being given instructions clearly and without undue discomfort. To investigate other demographics and evaluate whether there are any relationships between them, additional research would be required. It is recommended that a clearer pathway should be implemented 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. Having radiographers with good communication skills improves the patients’ experience when attending for imaging services.