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A small scale qualitative study to investigate the interaction between psychiatric patients and diagnostic radiographers in one Irish hospital
Author(s)
Date Issued
2009-12
Date Available
2011-11-22T14:29:40Z
Abstract
Abstract Background: A substantial number of patients with psychiatric illnesses present to the Imaging Department across the Irish Republic each year. Patients who have a psychiatric illness may present difficulties for the radiographer during a radiographic examination. These difficulties may include communication difficulties, and an increased prevalence to become violent due to their illness. Aims: To investigate if radiographers feel confident interacting with psychiatric patients. To ascertain if radiographers need more training in this area of patient interaction.
Method: A qualitative approach was used drawing upon six radiographers working in a regional
hospital with a psychiatric unit attached. The radiographers were interviewed individually and
the results were thematically analysed.
Results: The results indicated that the level of the radiographers own confidence in relation to
interacting with psychiatric patients was influenced by the number of years since qualification.
The majority of radiographers in the study displayed a poor knowledge of psychiatric conditions
and how they affect patients.
Conclusion: Based upon this small study, the results suggest that newly qualified radiographers
do not feel confident in their own abilities when interacting with psychiatric patients and would
welcome and benefit from specific training with regards to strategies to deal with psychiatric
patients. The radiographers reported that particular areas whichmay be improved upon are more
information on psychiatric illnesses, manifestations of different types of psychiatric illness and
the subsequent effect on patients. A larger study encompassing the whole of the Republic of
Ireland would be valuable as a precursor to a European comparative study in order to investigate
this phenomenon at a deeper level. Additionally it is recommended that further research is conducted
within a wider European context on student radiographers and lecturers teaching on
undergraduate radiography courses to ascertain if this topic is addressed at undergraduate level.
Sponsorship
Not applicable
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal
European Journal of Radiography
Volume
1
Issue
4
Start Page
207
End Page
212
Copyright (Published Version)
2010 Euro-med Congress for Radiographers
Subject – LCSH
Medical personnel and patient--Ireland
Psychotherapy patients--Ireland
Radiologists--Ireland--Interviews
Radiography, Medical--Ireland
Web versions
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
ISSN
1756-1175
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
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