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Patients’ Knowledge and Anxiety of a CT Scan Examination
May 2004
Dissertation submitted in part-fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Radiography University of Malta
Jonathan L. 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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