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| Author | Jonathan Loui Portelli |
| Abstract | Enhancements of image resolution and imaging times have established the CT scan as one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in detecting disease processes and/or injury. Consequently, patients are being referred for CT scans at an ever increasing rate therefore allowing less time for radiographers to communicate with, inform, and reassure these patients. Hence patients having a CT scan may present with amplified levels of fear or anxiety, as they are unaware of what to expect during the examination. In this regard, the provision of written information can aid to improve patients' knowledge about the examination and reduce anxiety by eliminating any fears or misconceptions patients may have had. This study was conducted, using a structured interview and the STAI questionnaire, to assess whether the provision of a detailed information leaflet would affect the knowledge and/or anxiety of 20 patients having an abdominal CT scan at St. Luke's Hospital. The study verified that patients' knowledge was significantly enhanced in patients provided with detailed procedural and sensory information about the CT scan. A slight decrease in patients' state anxiety was also observed, although this was not found to be statistically significant. Nevertheless, patients did feel relieved after completion of the CT scan, as they presented with a significant decrease in state anxiety. However, the level of anxiety experienced by patients prior to a CT scan was not found to be significantly higher than that normally experienced by these patients. Hence the prospect of having a CT scan did not significantly increase patients' anxiety in this study. On the other hand, a significant correlation was found between anxiety and gender, as females were significantly more anxious than males in this study. No significant correlation was found between age and anxiety. On the basis of this study, the research concluded that the provision of information improved patient knowledge, but it did not alter the anxiety normally felt by patients having a CT scan. However, generalisation of these conclusions is limited due to the small sample size used, and therefore it is recommended that this study is repeated using a larger sample size for better statistically significant results from which firm conclusions can be drawn. |
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| Key words | Radiography, Thesis, Patients' Knowledge, Anxiety, CT Scan |