Radiology: Overdose Flashcards
What could you say to a patient to reassure them about radiation received from an dental x-ray?
This radiation dose is less than what you’d recieve on a transatlantic flight.
What is the first thing you should do if a radiographic mistake has been made?
Inform the patient, duty of candour “unfortunately i’ve reviewed the clinical radiograph and there has been an error”
Once you’ve upheld your duty of candour and informed the patient of the radiographic mistake, what should you do with the patient?
Discuss how this affects treatment moving forwards.
“Are you happy for us to take the correct radiograph today?”
What should you do to reassure the patient after a clinical x-ray error?
- Reassure patient that the dose they received is minute and less than/comparable to that of bananas or a transatlantic flight!
HOWEVER, no taking away from the fact this was an error on our part.
- Also reassure them that we aim to mitigate risks where possible and an a more thorough investigation will go into the factors leading up to this mistake (as, like I say, it is of upmost importance that we strive to mitigate risks like this occurring where possible).
What’s it important you offer the patient once making a clinical error?
Offer the patient the complaints procedure.
“We have a complaints procedure in place if you wish to do that.”
Once you’ve discussed the radiograph clinical error with the patient what should you do?
DOCUMENT it all in the notes.
How should you start a patient interaction?
Introduce yourself, ask how the patient wishes to be referred.
How likely is the radiation from this bitewings going to cause a malignancy?
There is only 1 in a million chance
How do I know your equipment is safe?
All x-ray equipment must be checked by qualified stag regularly and meticulously.
A record must be kept of this
How will you ensure you don’t make this same mistake again?
Incidents are reported to the radiation protection supervisor
Recorded in the DATIX and followed up
Reported to all clinicians involved and logged in the patient notes
Find out the route core issue (i.e. prescribing form was filled out wrong).
