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UNIT 3: Patient Interaction in Medical Imaging Table of Contents 1. Effective Patient Communication 2. Pre and Post-Procedure Instructions 3. Explaining Medical Imaging Procedures 4. Discussing Symptoms and Schedules 5. Handling Common Patient Questions 6. Managing Difficult Sit...

UNIT 3: Patient Interaction in Medical Imaging Table of Contents 1. Effective Patient Communication 2. Pre and Post-Procedure Instructions 3. Explaining Medical Imaging Procedures 4. Discussing Symptoms and Schedules 5. Handling Common Patient Questions 6. Managing Difficult Situations 7. Grammar Focus 8. Key Phrases for Patient Interaction 1. Effective Patient Communication Effective communication with patients is crucial in medical imaging. As radiology technicians, your ability to interact clearly and calmly can significantly impact the success of the procedure. Patients need to understand and follow your instructions, so it's essential to use language that is easily comprehensible. Key Elements of Communication: - Clarity: Ensure your instructions are precise and easy to understand. - Tone: Use a calm and professional tone to reassure the patient. - Empathy: Show understanding towards the patient's situation, especially if they are nervous or in pain. Useful Phrases: - "I will explain everything step by step." - "Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions." - "I understand this might feel uncomfortable, but it will be over quickly." - "Let me know if you need me to slow down or repeat anything." - "Your comfort is important to us. Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?" 1 Examples of Effective Communication: Example 1: Explaining a Procedure Ineffective: "We're going to perform a CT scan of your abdomen using contrast media." Effective: "We're going to take detailed pictures of your belly area using a special machine. To help us see better, we'll give you a drink that makes your insides show up more clearly on the images. This drink is called a contrast medium." Example 2: Giving Instructions Ineffective: "Maintain this position." Effective: "Please lie on your back with your arms above your head. Try to stay as still as possible, just like a statue. This helps us get clear pictures." Example 3: Addressing Concerns Patient: "I'm feeling really nervous about this scan." Ineffective: "There's nothing to worry about." Effective: "It's normal to feel nervous. Many patients feel this way. Would it help if I explained each step of the procedure to you? Remember, I'll be right here the whole time, and you can always let me know if you need a break." 2. Pre and Post-Procedure Instructions Providing clear instructions before and after medical imaging procedures is essential to ensure patient comfort and study quality. Pre-Procedure Instructions: Patient Preparation: - Ask if the patient has followed previous instructions, such as fasting or removing metal objects. - "Have you fasted for the required time before this scan?" - "Please remove any metal objects, such as jewelry or belts." - "Did you take your regular medications this morning as discussed with your doctor?" 2  - "Have you had anything to drink in the last 4 hours?" Positioning: - Explain how the patient should position themselves for the best images. - "Please lie flat on your back and stay as still as possible during the procedure." - "We need to make sure your arms are positioned above your head for this scan." - "Try to relax your shoulders and take slow, deep breaths." - "For this chest X-ray, I'll need you to stand with your chest against the panel. When I say 'take a deep breath,' please breathe in and hold it until I say 'breathe normally.'" Post-Procedure Instructions: Contrast Material Guidelines: If contrast is used, inform the patient about possible side effects. - "You might feel a warm sensation from the contrast dye, but it will pass quickly." - "Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast out of your system." - "If you notice any rash, itching, or difficulty breathing, please inform us immediately." - "It's normal to have a metallic taste in your mouth for a few hours after the scan." General Instructions: - "You can return to your normal activities right after the scan." - "We will contact you with the results in a few days." - "Avoid strenuous exercise for the next 24 hours." - "If you're feeling dizzy, please sit down and rest for a few minutes before leaving." Example Dialogue: Technician: "Good morning, Mrs. Smith. I understand you're here for an abdominal CT scan. Have you had anything to eat or drink in the last 6 hours?" Patient: "No, I haven't eaten anything, but I had a sip of water about 2 hours ago. Is that okay?" 3 Technician: "A small sip of water is fine. Thank you for following the fasting instructions. Now, I'll need you to change into this gown. Please remove all jewelry and any metal objects. Do you have any questions before we begin?" Patient: "Actually, yes. Will I need to hold my breath during the scan?" Technician: "Good question. Yes, there will be times when I'll ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds. I'll guide you through this process using the intercom. It's important to stay as still as possible during these times to get clear images. Don't worry, I'll give you plenty of notice before each breath hold." Patient: "Okay, I think I understand." Technician: "Excellent. After the scan, you might feel a bit warm from the contrast dye, but this is normal and will pass quickly. Make sure to drink plenty of water for the rest of the day to help flush out the contrast. Do you have any other questions?" Patient: "No, I think that covers everything." Technician: "Great. Let's get started then. Remember, I'm here to help, so if you need anything during the procedure, just let me know." 3. Explaining Medical Imaging Procedures Patients often don't understand technical terms, so it's important to explain procedures simply. Examples: X-ray: "We are going to take a quick image of your bones to check for fractures. It will only take a few seconds." Additional example: "An X-ray is like taking a photograph of your bones. The machine sends a small amount of radiation through your body, which the bones block. This creates a picture of your skeleton on our screen. It's painless and very quick." CT scan (Computed Tomography): "This scan will give us detailed images of your internal organs. You'll need to lie still for about 10 minutes." Additional example: 4 "A CT scan is like taking many X-rays from different angles and putting them together to create a 3D image of your body. Imagine slicing a loaf of bread and looking at each slice – that's similar to how we'll see your insides. The machine will rotate around you, but you won't feel anything." MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): "This is a type of scan that uses magnets to take pictures of your body's soft tissues. It's important to stay completely still during the scan." Additional example: "An MRI uses a strong magnet and radio waves to create detailed images of your organs and tissues. It's like a CT scan, but it's especially good at showing soft tissues like muscles and ligaments. The machine will make loud knocking noises, but don't worry – we'll give you earplugs or headphones to protect your hearing." Ultrasound: "An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your internal organs. We'll apply a special gel to your skin and move a small device over the area we want to examine. It's painless and doesn't use any radiation." PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography): "A PET scan helps us see how your organs and tissues are functioning. We'll give you a small amount of radioactive material, usually through an injection. This material will collect in areas of your body that are using a lot of energy, like active cancer cells if present. The scan itself is painless and similar to a CT scan." Example Dialogue: Technician: "Hello, Mr. Johnson. I understand you're here for an MRI of your knee. Have you ever had an MRI before?" Patient: "No, this is my first time. I'm a bit nervous about it." Technician: "I understand. Let me explain what an MRI is and what you can expect. MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It's a way for us to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body without using any radiation. Instead, it uses a strong magnet and radio waves. For your knee MRI, you'll lie on a table that slides into a large tube-shaped machine. This machine creates a strong magnetic field around you and sends radio waves to your knee. Don't worry – you won't feel these waves or the magnetic field. The machine will make loud knocking or buzzing noises while it's taking the pictures. We'll give you earplugs or headphones to protect your hearing. Some patients even listen to music during the scan. 5 The most important thing is to lie very still during the scan, especially when you hear the loud noises. This helps us get clear pictures. The scan will take about 30 to 45 minutes. You'll have a call button in your hand, so if you need anything during the scan, you can let me know. I'll also be able to see you the entire time and can talk to you through an intercom. Do you have any questions about the procedure?" Patient: "That helps a lot, thank you. Will I feel claustrophobic inside the machine?" Technician: "Some people do feel a bit closed in, but our MRI machine is open at both ends, and you'll be able to see out. We can also provide a mirror that lets you see outside the machine if that would help. Remember, you can always use the call button if you start feeling uncomfortable, and we can take a break. Is there anything else you'd like to know?" Patient: "No, I think I'm ready now. Thank you for explaining everything so clearly." Technician: "You're welcome. Let's get started then. Remember, I'm here to help you through this, so don't hesitate to ask if you need anything." 4. Discussing Symptoms and Schedules When discussing symptoms and scheduling with patients, it's important to be clear, empathetic, and thorough. Discussing Symptoms: - Use open-ended questions to encourage patients to describe their symptoms in detail. - "Can you describe the pain you're experiencing?" - "How long have you been feeling this way?" - "On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain you've ever felt, how would you rate your discomfort?" - "Have you noticed any patterns in when the symptoms occur or what makes them better or worse?" - Clarify any vague descriptions: - "When you say you feel dizzy, do you mean the room is spinning or that you feel unsteady?" - "You mentioned a 'funny feeling' in your chest. Can you explain what that feels like?" - "When you say your vision is blurry, is it constant or does it come and go?" Talking About Schedules: - Be specific about appointment times and durations: 6  - "Your appointment is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8th, at 2:30 PM. The procedure will take approximately 45 minutes." - "We have two options for your follow-up scan: next Monday at 10 AM or next Thursday at 3 PM. Which would work better for you?" - Provide clear instructions about arrival times: - "Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to complete any necessary paperwork." - "If this is your first visit, please come 30 minutes early so we can go over your medical history and any questions you might have." Sample Dialogues: Dialogue 1: Discussing Symptoms Technician: "Good morning, Ms. Garcia. I understand you're here for a CT scan of your abdomen. Before we begin, can you tell me about the symptoms you've been experiencing?" Patient: "Well, I've been having this pain in my stomach for about three weeks now." Technician: "I see. Can you describe the pain more specifically? Is it sharp, dull, or cramping?" Patient: "It's more of a dull ache, but sometimes it gets sharper, especially after I eat." Technician: "Thank you for that description. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain you've ever felt, how would you rate this pain at its worst?" Patient: "I'd say it's about a 6 or 7 when it's really bad." Technician: "I appreciate you sharing that. Have you noticed any other symptoms along with the pain, such as nausea, changes in appetite, or changes in bowel movements?" Patient: "Now that you mention it, I have been feeling a bit nauseous, especially in the mornings." Technician: "Thank you for that information. It will be helpful for the radiologist when they review your scan. Now, let's go over what to expect during the procedure..." Dialogue 2: Scheduling Technician: "Mr. Brown, we need to schedule your follow-up MRI. The scan will take about 45 minutes, but we ask that you arrive 15 minutes early to get checked in. We have openings next week on Tuesday at 10 AM or Thursday at 2 PM. Do either of those work for you?" 7 Patient: "Thursday at 2 PM would be better for me." Technician: "Excellent. I'll book you for Thursday, October 10th, at 2 PM. Please remember to arrive by 1:45 PM. Also, you'll need to fast for 4 hours before the scan. Can you manage that?" Patient: "Yes, that should be fine. But I take medication in the morning. Is that okay?" Technician: "Good question. You can take your regular medications with a small sip of water. Just avoid any food or other drinks. Do you have any other questions about preparing for the scan?" Patient: "No, I think that covers everything." Technician: "Great. We'll send you a reminder text the day before your appointment. If you need to reschedule or have any questions before then, please don't hesitate to call us." 5. Handling Common Patient Questions Patients often have many questions before a procedure. Here are some common questions and how to answer them clearly. Example Questions and Answers: Q: "Will this procedure hurt?" A: "No, the procedure itself is painless. You might feel a bit of discomfort if we use a contrast dye, but it's very brief." Q: "How long will the scan take?" A: "It depends on the type of scan, but most take between 10 and 30 minutes. Your specific scan today will take about 20 minutes." Q: "What happens if I move during the scan?" A: "It's very important to stay still because any movement can blur the images and we might need to repeat the scan. If you absolutely need to move or are feeling uncomfortable, use the call button we'll give you, and we can pause the scan." Q: "Is this procedure safe?" A: "Yes, medical imaging procedures are generally very safe. We use the minimum amount of radiation necessary to get clear images. The benefits of the diagnostic information we get from the scan far outweigh any potential risks." Q: "When will I get my results?" A: "Your doctor will usually receive the results within 1-2 days. They will contact you to discuss the findings. If you haven't heard anything after a week, it's a good idea to contact your doctor's office." 8 Additional examples: Q: "Can I eat before the procedure?" A: "For this particular scan, we ask that you don't eat anything for 6 hours before the procedure. You can have small sips of water if you need to take medication, but otherwise, please refrain from eating or drinking." Q: "I'm claustrophobic. Will I be able to handle an MRI?" A: "Many people with claustrophobia are able to complete MRIs successfully. Our machine is open on both ends, and you'll be able to see out. We can also provide you with a mirror that allows you to see outside the machine. If you start feeling anxious, you'll have a call button to alert us immediately. We can take breaks if needed, and in some cases, we might be able to offer a mild sedative to help you relax. We'll work with you to ensure you're as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure." Q: "Is it safe if I'm pregnant or might be pregnant?" A: "If you're pregnant or think you might be, it's very important to let us know before the scan. Some imaging procedures, particularly those involving radiation like X-rays or CT scans, may pose risks to a developing fetus. In such cases, we might need to consider alternative imaging methods or postpone the scan if possible. MRI scans are generally considered safe during pregnancy, but we still prefer to be cautious and will consult with your doctor." Q: "Will I be exposed to radiation?" A: "It depends on the type of imaging we're doing. X-rays and CT scans do use radiation, but the amount is carefully controlled to be as low as possible while still getting the images we need. MRI and ultrasound scans don't use radiation at all. Regardless of the type of scan, we always follow the principle of using the lowest dose necessary to get accurate diagnostic information." Q: "Can I bring someone with me into the room during the scan?" A: "In most cases, you'll need to be in the scanning room alone for safety reasons and to ensure the best image quality. However, if you're accompanying a child or someone who needs assistance, exceptions can sometimes be made. In any case, your companion can usually stay with you right up until the scan begins, and they'll be able to wait nearby." Q: "What should I wear for the scan?" A: "Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes without metal fasteners, zippers, or underwires. We may ask you to change into a hospital gown for some procedures. It's best to leave jewelry and valuables at home. We'll provide a secure locker for your belongings if needed." 9  6. Managing Difficult Situations It's common for some patients to feel nervous or anxious before an imaging procedure. As a technician, it's important to know how to handle these situations appropriately. Strategies: Active Listening: If the patient expresses fear or concern, listen attentively before responding. - "I understand you're feeling nervous, but I'll be here with you the whole time." - "It sounds like you're worried about [specific concern]. Let's talk about that and see how we can make you more comfortable." Step-by-Step Explanations: Some patients find it helpful to know exactly what will happen during the procedure. - "First, I'll position you on the table. Then, we'll start the machine, and you'll hear some noises, but it's nothing to worry about." - "Throughout the scan, I'll be talking to you through the intercom. I'll let you know when we're about to start each series of images and how long each will take." Breathing Techniques: For anxious patients, suggest simple breathing exercises. - "If you start feeling anxious, try taking slow, deep breaths. Breathe in for four counts, hold for four, then exhale for four." - "Focus on your breathing. As you breathe in, think 'relax', and as you breathe out, think 'calm'. This can help you stay centered during the scan." Distraction Techniques: Offer ways to help the patient relax during the procedure. - "Some patients find it helpful to imagine a peaceful place during the scan. You might want to try that." - "We can play music through the headphones if you'd like. Many patients find this helps them relax during the procedure." Handling Claustrophobia: For procedures like MRI scans, claustrophobia can be a significant issue. 10 - "The machine is open on both ends, and you can see out. We also have a call button you can press if you need us at any time." - "We can take breaks if you need them. Just let me know, and we can pause the scan." - "Some patients find it helpful to close their eyes and imagine they're in a wide-open space. You might try visualizing a beach or a field." Example Scenarios: Scenario 1: Anxious Patient Patient: "I'm really nervous about this MRI. I've never had one before and I'm worried about being inside that machine." Technician: "I understand that you're feeling anxious, and that's completely normal. Many people feel nervous before their first MRI. Let me explain what will happen to help ease your concerns. The MRI machine is like a large tube, open at both ends. You'll lie on a comfortable table that slides into the tube. You'll be able to see out, and I'll be able to see you the entire time. We'll give you headphones so we can communicate, and you'll have a call button in your hand. If at any point you feel too uncomfortable, you can press it and we'll stop the scan immediately. Would you like me to show you the machine before we start?" Patient: "Yes, I think that would help." Technician: "Great, let's take a look. [Shows patient the MRI machine] See how it's open at both ends? And here's the table you'll lie on. It's padded for your comfort. Now, is there anything else I can explain or do to help you feel more at ease?" Scenario 2: Difficult Patient Patient: [Irritated] "This is taking forever. I've been waiting for an hour and my appointment was supposed to be 30 minutes ago!" Technician: "I sincerely apologize for the delay, Mr. Johnson. I understand how frustrating it is to wait, especially when you've set aside time for this appointment. We had an unexpected emergency case that we had to accommodate. I assure you that we're doing our best to get to you as quickly as possible while ensuring everyone gets the care they need. Can I get you some water while you wait? Also, I'll check with the team to see if we can give you a more precise estimate of when we'll be ready for you." Patient: [Still annoyed] "Fine, but this is really inconvenient. I have other appointments today." Technician: "I completely understand. Your time is valuable, and we appreciate your patience. Let me see what I can do to expedite things. In the meantime, if you need to reschedule any of your other appointments, we have a phone you can use. Is there anything else I can do to make your wait more comfortable?" 11 Remember, in difficult situations, remain calm, empathize with the patient's feelings, and focus on finding solutions. Your professional and caring attitude can often help defuse tense situations. 7. Grammar Indirect Questions Indirect questions are used to ask questions more politely. They often begin with phrases like "Could you tell me..." or "I was wondering..." Examples: - Direct: "What time is my appointment?" - Indirect: "Could you tell me what time my appointment is?" - Direct: "How long will the procedure take?" - Indirect: "I was wondering how long the procedure would take." - Direct: "Do I need to fast before the scan?" - Indirect: "Would you mind telling me if I need to fast before the scan?" - Direct: "Can I bring my child into the room with me?" - Indirect: "I was wondering if it would be possible to bring my child into the room with me." Courtesy Phrases These phrases help to make requests and instructions more polite: - "Would you mind...?" (for requests) - "Would you mind removing your jewelry before the scan?" - "Would you mind filling out this form while you wait?" - "Could you possibly...?" (for polite instructions) - "Could you possibly lie very still for the next few minutes?" - "Could you possibly arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time?" 12 - "I'm afraid..." (for delivering potentially disappointing news) - "I'm afraid you'll need to wait a bit longer for your turn." - "I'm afraid we'll need to reschedule your appointment due to an equipment issue." Additional examples: - "If it's not too much trouble, could you...?" - "If it's not too much trouble, could you change into this hospital gown?" - "Would it be alright if...?" - "Would it be alright if we started the procedure now?" Modal Verbs for Advice Modal verbs like "should," "ought to," and "had better" are used to give advice or recommendations. Examples: - "You should drink plenty of water after the procedure." - "You ought to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time." - "You had better not eat anything for 6 hours before the scan." Additional examples: - "It would be a good idea to..." - "It would be a good idea to wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners." - "You might want to consider..." - "You might want to consider bringing a book or music to help you relax during the wait." 13 - "It's advisable to..." - "It's advisable to inform us of any allergies you may have before the procedure." Practice Exercises: 1. Convert these direct questions into indirect questions: a. "Where do I change my clothes?" b. "When will the doctor review my results?" c. "Can I eat before the MRI?" 2. Rewrite these sentences using courtesy phrases: a. "Fill out this form." b. "Don't move during the scan." c. "Come back in two weeks for a follow-up." 3. Give advice using modal verbs for these situations: a. A patient is nervous about an upcoming CT scan. b. A patient needs to prepare for a fasting blood test. c. A patient is unsure about what to wear for an X-ray. 8. Key Phrases for Patient Interaction At the Start of the Procedure: - "Good morning, how are you feeling today?" - "We'll start by asking you a few questions about your health history." - "Let me explain the procedure before we begin." - "This will only take a few minutes, and I'll guide you through every step." - "Do you have any questions or concerns before we start?" 14 - "I'm here to ensure you're comfortable throughout the procedure. Please let me know if you need anything." During the Procedure: - "Please stay still. We'll take the image now." - "You're doing great. Just a few more minutes." - "If you need to take a break, just let me know." - "Remember to breathe normally unless I instruct you otherwise." - "We're about halfway through. How are you feeling?" - "The machine will make some loud noises now, but don't be alarmed. It's perfectly normal." At the End of the Procedure: - "We're all done. You did great!" - "You can get dressed now and we'll send your results to your doctor." - "If you experience any discomfort after the procedure, please contact us immediately." - "Do you have any questions about what happens next?" - "Here's an information sheet about what to expect after the procedure." - "Thank you for your cooperation. We appreciate your patience." Dealing with Anxious Patients: - "It's normal to feel nervous. Many patients feel this way before a scan." - "Would it help if I explained each step of the procedure in more detail?" - "Remember, you're in control. If you need to stop at any point, just let me know." - "Try to focus on your breathing. Slow, deep breaths can help you relax." - "Imagine you're in your favorite peaceful place. This can help take your mind off the procedure." Explaining Results: 15 - "Your doctor will receive the results within [timeframe]." - "The radiologist will carefully review your images before sending a report to your doctor." - "Your doctor is the best person to interpret these results in the context of your overall health." - "If you haven't heard from your doctor within [timeframe], it's a good idea to follow up with their office." Remember, the key to effective patient interaction is clear communication, empathy, and professionalism. These phrases can help guide your interactions, but always be ready to adapt your language and approach to each individual patient's needs and concerns. https://radiologiaclub.com/2016/03/22/5-razones-para-la-formacion-universitaria-espanola-en- tecnicos-de-radiologia/ 16