Communicating risk information in medical practice.
The public's preceptions about the risks of radiation are adversely influenced by the many negative reports by the media on the hazards of all radiation. As a result, patients express concern about the risks of radiation from radiologic examinations. Radiologists are well positioned to dispel these fears because of their training and their access to and ability to interpret information from scientific organizations specifically concerned with the determination of radiation risk. To do this, radiologists must be willing to communicate with patients and be accessible. Pamphlets and handouts can be given to anxious patients before examinations. In direct interaction with patients, the radiologist must listen to them and be prepared to address their concerns, especially those about repeat examinations, exposure during pregnancy, inadvertent exposure of the fetus, exposure of children, use of radiation in research, and misadministration of radionuclides. In addition, radiologists can help patients by educating referring physicians, other medical staff, and nurses. They can also reach the public by being a spokesperson at meetings of local organizations or by accepting opportunities to speak to the media. All these efforts help counteract negative perceptions aroused by the media.
Conway
J J
JJ
Division of Nuclear Medicine, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL 60614.
D002648:Child; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011247:Pregnancy; D011830:Radiation Effects; D011871:Radiology; D012307:Risk Factors