Course Description
Patient education and clear, 2-way communication are key components of patient-centered care. Radiographers may only interact with a patient for a short time, but they have the opportunity to increase patient trust, maximize compliance, and improve outcomes by genuinely listening to patients, acknowledging their concerns, answering their questions, and ensuring that they understand all instructions. This course discusses the AIDET (acknowledge, introduce, duration, explanation, and thank you) method of interacting with patients and explains verbal, paralinguistic, and nonverbal communications and how they can be used effectively. Methods for obtaining patient history and the information the history should include are also described, as is the importance of providing patients with accurate and accessible educational materials. Finally, tips for interacting with specific populations, including pediatric patients and the hearing impaired, are outlined. Key messages are to treat every patient with respect, to listen actively, and to take the patient's preferences and values into account. In addition, summarizing or repeating information that has been provided, whether by the patient or the radiographer, is valuable for ensuring that the intended message is received and understood. Communicating with all patients in a clear, friendly manner and at an appropriate level builds trust and allows the patients to be active partners in their care. This improves both the patient experience and increases the safety and efficiency of radiologic procedures.

Learning Objectives

After reading this article, the participant should be able to:

• DISTINGUISH patient-centered care from practitioner-centered care.
• APPLY the AIDET method.
• EXPLAIN verbal, paralinguistic, and nonverbal communication.
• EXPLAIN how to take a thorough patient history.
• OUTLINE the role of the radiographer in patient education.
• IDENTIFY the needs of different patient populations.
  
  

CE Information

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 6 out of 8 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 1.0 ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit.

Texas indirect credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.