Patient Care in Radiology

Summary:

The note highlights the importance of patient care in the radiology department, as patients undergoing radiologic procedures are often stressed and anxious. Patient care in radiology involves various activities such as gathering patient history, explaining the procedure, providing necessary information about pre and post-procedure care, and answering patient questions. Radiologic technologists are trained to provide high-quality care, including patient education, preparation, and monitoring during and after the procedure. Various methods are used in radiology patient care to ensure patient comfort, safety, and overall well-being. Pre-procedure care involves providing clear instructions, ensuring patient comfort, and checking for food restrictions, medication use, allergies, and pregnancy status. Radiation safety measures are taken to reduce patient exposure during diagnostic imaging procedures. Patient comfort measures include relaxation techniques, blankets, and pillows. Communication is essential, and patients should be given clear instructions and post-care appointments or tests. Post-care involves providing necessary post-care procedure instructions, monitoring patient health, and checking medical records.

Excerpt:

PATIENT CARE
• INTRODUCTION-
➢ Patient care is an important part of radiology because patients undergoing radiologic procedures are stressed and anxious and require the most care and attention. Radiology is a medical specialty that uses imaging techniques to diagnose and treat various medical conditions. It involves using radiation to create images of the body, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (ct) scans.
➢ Patient care in radiology includes various activities such as gathering patient history, explaining the procedure providing necessary information about pre and post-procedure care, and explaining any questions the patient
may have. Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, are healthcare professionals who perform radiologic procedures.
➢ During the procedure, patients may experience various emotions such as anxiety, fear, or discomfort. Patient care in radiology is all about patient safety and comfort during pre or post-procedure.

HISTORY-
➢ Early 1900: Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen’s discovery of X-rays in 1895 marked the beginning of radiology. During the early days of radiology, however, little thought was given to patient safety or comfort during procedures. Without any precautions, X-rays were used, and patients were frequently exposed to high levels of radiation, resulting in severe injuries or even death.
➢ Patient care is now an essential component of radiology practice. Radiologic technologists are trained to provide high-quality care, which includes patient education, procedure preparation, and patient monitoring during and after the procedure.