The Construction of Care in Computed Tomography. Exploring Care from the Perspective of Patients and Radiographers

Abstract

Purpose: Patient centred care and the ‘patient voice’ are core components of UK healthcare policy and practice guidance. This study explores how care is perceived and experienced within the high technology environment of CT. Methods and Materials: A two-phase approach of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and adapted Grounded Theory (GT) methodology using semi structured interviews, was used to obtain primary data from CT radiographers and patients. Recruitment and data collection were performed at a 1200 bed teaching hospital over a 6-month period. Results: The radiographer patient relationship and the radiographer’s role in providing care within CT are complex and multifaceted. Both patients and radiographer’s perceive CT imaging to be an integral part of the overall patient care and treatment pathway. As such, the act of being imaged is perceived as a care process and while image acquisition is recognised as a task orientated and technical process, the human element of providing care is cognitive, dynamic and responsive to individual need. Importantly, patient confidence in the care received was influenced by the radiographer’s ability to build a trusting relationship and display technical competence and this in turn facilitated active compliance resulting in a technically accurate examination. Despite previous literature suggesting that the technical environment created a barrier to patient care, patients within this study confirmed that radiographers provide care commensurate to the nursing ideals represented by the 6C’s (Care; Compassion; Competence; Communication; Courage; Commitment). Conclusions: A co-constructed model of care encompassing both technical components and patient-centeredness has been identified. This model promotes a new vision of patient centred care based on care perceptions within the high technology environment of CT.