Untitled Deck Flashcards
What are the good communication skills of a radiographer?
- Fulfilling the patient’s needs (medical, emotional, physical)
- Being able to effectively direct a patient’s actions. This means getting the patient to cooperate for the exam i.e., proper positioning and breathing instructions.
- Obtaining the patient’s cooperation.
Why is patient cooperation essential in radiography?
It is essential for obtaining quality radiographs and reassures the patient during the exam.
- Patients respond positively to your gentle touch and calming voice.
Radiographers Communication Skills
BE-Patient care communication must be patient-focused.
BE-Communication needs to be accurate and timely
REMEMBER-Always remember to consider communication and relating to the patients family and visitors
COMMUNICATE- As a technologist, communicate within your Scope of Practice.
What is the importance of feedback in communication?
-Feedback is the response from the patient,
-which can be verbal or non-verbal,
-Nonverbal feedback would include the patient successfully being able to assume a radiographic position.
Patient Needs
Understand that if patients had a choice between visiting a nice restaurant and visiting the x-ray department, they would naturally choose…!
Fear of the unknown is profound.
They fear loss of control.
Emotions may be unnatural.
Fearful of possible pain and discomfort.
Apprehensive about exam results.
Your Personal Needs as a Technologist
Helping others
Working with people
Making a difference
Thinking critically
Demonstrating creativity
Achieving results
When personal needs are met, experiencing increased confidence in technical abilities as well is not unusual. The patient often perceives this confidence as competence.…
What is palpation?
The application of light pressure with the palm or fingers to locate a body landmark.
What should you do before touching a patient?
Always talk BEFORE you touch.
What is false imprisonment in the context of radiography?
The unlawful confinement of a person within a fixed area, such as holding them on an x-ray table.
What are the seven levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
- Self-Actualization
- Aesthetics
- Need to know and understand
- Self Esteem and Respect
- Belongingness and Love
- Safety and Security
- Physiologic (Food, Shelter, Clothing, Sexual gratification)
How does Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs progress?
Each level must be satisfied before progression to the next level is possible.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
People strive from a basic level of physiologic needs toward a level of self-actualization.
Each level of needs must be satisfied before an individual proceeds to the next level.
Patients are often at the lower levels of Maslow’s hierarchy.
What factors can guide patient behaviors and emotions?
Sometimes patients can seem angry, aggressive or despondent as a result of their circumstances.
Loss of control,
uncertain outcomes,
unfamiliar environment
physical and mental distress.
Patient Dignity
Deals with a patient’s self-esteem
Patients feel a strong loss of power over their fate.
Embarrassing situation that they feel isolates them from others
Loss of privacy and access to loved ones
Feelings of guilt on several fronts
Referencing them in an impersonal, “slang” fashion: BE patient, mammo patient, stomach patient, etc.
What is dignity in the context of patient care?
The ability to function as a significant and integrated person, often associated with loss of control.
Patient Dignity
As a radiographer, you can ensure a patient’s dignity by focusing on their needs and treating them with respect
at all times. The radiographer should:-
Gain the patient’s confidence Offer support Position with sensitivity Treat with empathy Always address the patient with respect
What is empathy?
the ability to recognize and to some extent share the emotions and state of mind of another and to understand the meaning and significance of that person’s behavior.
Who should receive respect and care in the radiology department?
Friends and relatives accompanying the patient.
Respect and care must also be extended to friends, and relatives that may accompany the patient to the Radiology Department. Often friends and family assume the role of being a voice for the patient and they also may be anxious, nervous and stressed.
Who should provide the results of radiology studies to the patient?
The referring physician.
Initial Patient Interaction
Patient Assessment
Use their name and ask preference
Confirm identity
Introduce yourself
Explain the procedure in terms they can understand
Obtain a brief and relevant history
Obtain Informed. Consent, if required
What is a contraindication?
A condition which makes a particular treatment or procedure inadvisable.