Public perception of medical imaging in Malta.

Abstract

Each year thousands of people undergo medical diagnostic examinations. Patients' knowledge regarding the imaging modalities varies widely. Lack of accurate knowledge about medical imaging procedures affects the patients approach towards these modalities and therefore their examinations. No previous studies to analyse the public perception of medical imaging in Malta have been undertaken. From the daily clinical experience of radiographers, a number of misconceptions or myths seem to underlie the beliefs of the Maltese population. Consequently the purpose of this study was to assess the level of misconceptions about medical imaging amongst the Maltese society. A telephone questionnaire was chosen as research tool. Out of 200 telephone questionnaires only 149 completed it. The results indicated a general misconception regarding medical imaging in various aspects of the questionnaire. The majority of the participants knew which procedures took place at the radiology department. However 46.3% also thought that Cancer treatment was performed at the radiology department. The participants had a confused idea about the possible side effects of being frequently exposed to x-rays. Besides their perception regarding radiosensitive organs show a level of misconception. The participants' knowledge was lacking with regards to the use of radiation during the procedure and background radiation. The participants were also asked to rate the feelings generated when undergoing particular radiological appointments. The results indicated that there was a noteable level of misconception regarding medical imaging in Malta. Besides there was a weak correlation with Age, Level of Education and small differences when it comes to Gender and between people who read or watched health related material and who did not. Therefore the researcher suggested a campaign of information to tackle this misconception. More sources of information should be available for the people who would like to be further informed. Besides the referrers should be better informed about the procedures and the use of ionizing radiation in each one of them. All this could reduce the level of misconception present in the participants of the study.