Program Information

Communicating Risk

C McCollough

L Wagner

J Kofler

L Brateman

C McCollough¹*, L Wagner²*, J Kofler³*, L Brateman⁴*, (1) Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, (2) UT Medical School, Houston, TX, (3) Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, (4) University Florida, Gainesville, FL

Presentations

TU-F-16A-1 Tuesday 4:30PM - 6:00PM Room: 16A

The radiobiological risks associated with medical imaging are generally considered to be small, if existent. However, the public view of the risk of medical radiation at diagnostic levels can be substantially different from the clinical reality. Radiation science is not taught to the general public, and so perception of radiation risks can be based on a variety sources, including some that may be misleading, incorrect, or sensationalized. Consequently, patients can have significant concerns about procedures they or their loved ones might have had or that might be needed in their medical care. It is the responsibility of the physicist to be able to communicate risk in a manner that is clear, understandable, and respectful.

This session will present a number of real life scenarios of patient or family concern about radiation risks. The panel will, through demonstration or discussion, present various options for handling each situation. The audience will be involved in discussion and critique of the approaches presented.

Learning Objectives:
1. To gain insight to the patients perspective on radiation risk and how to respond professionally to their concerns.
2. To learn basic principles for effectively communicating with patients about radiation risk.
3. To gain tools and approaches for addressing a wide range of patient concerns.

Handouts

• 90-25430-340462-103116.pdf (C McCollough)

• 90-25431-340462-103332.pdf (L Wagner)

• 90-25432-340462-102608.pdf (J Kofler)

• 90-25433-340462-108393.pdf (L Brateman)

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