COMMUNICATING RISK FINDING IN RADIOLOGICAL PROCEDURES: A STRATEGIC APPROACH

Thesis Overview

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF STUDYThe terms “radia­tion” and “radioactivity” is far more complicated than to measure the basic knowledge about ionizing radiation a member of a lay public holds. In general, the level of knowledge has only a limited effect on risk communica­tion affect. However, it has been recognized as a media­tor between a person and the effect of communication. Tichenor et. al., (2000) proved that that level of knowledge is relevant for an individual’s communication skills. Those with a better reading ability, for example, should be able to comprehend information more easily.In addition, a positive direct relationship between knowledge and the perceived information-gathering capacity was evidenced by Griffin et al., (2008), Kahlor et al., (2006) and Huurne et al., (2009). Specific knowledge is the most powerful predictor for attentiveness to the radiological risk information. People with a higher specific knowledge remember and recall more information information (Perko, Thijssen, C., & Van Gorp, 2014).In other words, people who are well informed about an issue are more exposed to information, compre­hend more of the information provided and remember it and recall it more than people who are less knowledge­able. Although increasing public’s knowledge often is set as a primary objective of risk communication efforts, it is in the nuclear field known that the public lacks knowledge and has only rarely (acknowledged) experiences with radioactivity (Kuklinski, Metlay, & Kay, 2002; Miller, 2008; Perko, Turcanu, Schröder, & B., 2010; Van Aeken, Turcanu, Bombaerts, Carlé, & Hardeman, 2007). For instance, in Bel­gium knowledge related to ionizing radiation is rather low, even after an intense nuclear emergency communication campaign organised by authorities and after an information campaign organised by nuclear industry.X-rays are electromagnetic waves having the same nature as visible light, ultra violet, infrared, radio waves and microwaves, etc. These types of electromagnetic radiation differ in their wavelength; those with shorter wavelength have greater energy. The energy of photons of ultraviolet and X-rays is sufficient to break chemical bonds and so these radiations are said to be ionizing. Gamma rays are like high energy X-rays and are mainly produced in nuclear interactions such as radioactive decay. Cosmic rays, which are believed to come from exploding stars (supernovae), have even greater energy than gamma rays; they have been found to consist mainly of high energy protons and are largely blocked by the atmosphere. They generate gamma rays when they collide with molecules in the atmosphere or indeed in living things.Risk is defined as a chance or possibility of danger or incurring loss or injury. It is recognized that harm may be fall a patient even in the best hospitals and departments delivering the highest possible standards of care and the practice of medicine is often a process of balancing a risk against the efficacy of a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Risk management is a proactive approach involving the systematic identification, quantification and assessment of risks, the appraisal of options to eliminate or reduce them and the recognition by all concerned of the implications of the remaining risks. This process involves all those who are responsible for the delivery of health care, not just the individual clinician who is caring for the patient.The managers of the health care facility have a particular responsibility to provide the necessary facilities, staff, equipment and financial support for the front - line clinician sin order for them to practice at standards which are considered satisfactory by their peers and which keep the risk of harm to the patient at the lowest practicable level. This is particularly the case in radiology departments where the quality of equipment and staffing number scan have a major effect on the accuracy of the diagnostic report or the success of an image - guided intervention.The radiologist or radiographer cannot be held responsible for errors that are a consequence of under - investment by the management and the implications of in adequate resources. In terms of patient risk, it should be clearly identified, if a proper risk management evaluation is undertaken.1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMRadiographers have been using the x-rays instruments to examine the internal structure of human beings in other to know the right diagnosis and treatment to be given to the patient. Inability to properly handle the instrument may be seen as a problem that could contribute to the risk of x-ray examination. Inability to keep in track of the last time of x-ray exposure is also lead to the risk a patient could face while undergoing the examination. Finally, most research has been carried out on the effect of radiation but not even a single research has been done on the communicating risk findings in radiological procedure: a strategic approach.1.3   AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDYThe main aim of the study is to examine communicating risk in radiological procedures. Other specific objectives of the study include:

1. to determine the effect of radiation on patients.
2. to determine the factors affecting the use of x-ray.
3. to determine the effect of incompetency in the proper utilization of instruments of x-ray.
4. to determine the types of risk faced in a radiological procedures.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS              

1. What is the effect of x-ray on patients?
2. What are the factors affecting the use of x-ray?
3. What is the effect of incompetency in the proper utilization of instruments of x-ray?
4. What are the types of risk faced in radiological procedures?

1.5   STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESISH0:       risk identification is not necessary in a radiological procedure.H1:       risk identification is necessary in a radiological procedure.1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDYThe study on communicating risk findings in radiological procedure will be of immense benefit to the entire hospitals or radiographers in the sense that it will enable them educate the patient on the necessity of an x-ray and also that it is not supposed to be done every time based on the side effect. Finally, the study will contribute to the existing body of literature and knowledge for this field of study and also be the basis for further research.1.7   SCOPE OF STUDYThe study on communicating risk finding in radiological procedures is limited to strategic approach.1.8   LIMITATION OF STUDYFinancial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.1.9   DEFINITION OF TERMSCommunicating:  Share or exchange information, news, or ideas.Risk:  Risk is the potential of gaining or losing something of value. Values can be gained or lost when taking risk resulting from a given action or inaction, foreseen or unforeseen. Finding:  The action of looking for someone or something.Radiological:  The branch of medicine that deals with diagnostic images of anatomic structures made through the use of electromagnetic radiation or sound waves and that treats disease through the use of radioactive compounds.Procedures:  An established or official way of doing somethingStrategic:  Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.Approach:  A way of dealing with a situation or problem.