RadioGraphics, Vol 12, 207-214, Copyright © 1992 by Radiological Society of North America
Communicating risk information in medical practice
JJ Conway
Division of Nuclear Medicine, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL 60614.
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.
