The Radiographer: Patient Education and Communication

Naomi L. Ruff, PhD, ELS

^*Medical Writer, Duluth, Minnesota.

Address correspondence to: Naomi L. Ruff, PhD, ELS, 24 S 59th Ave E, Duluth, MN 55804. E-mail: naomiruff@ruffdraftwriting.com.

Disclosure Statement: Dr. Ruff reports having no financial or advisory relationships with corporate organizations related to this activity.

This course meets the Oregon Board of Medical Imaging (OBMI) cultural competency CE requirement under OAR: 337-010-0085(2)

ABSTRACT

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.