INTRODUCTION
The quality and success of health care is largely affected by the level of communication and good rapport between the radiographer and the patient1. communication in medical imaging is a neglected area of research, despite the necessity of good communication if optimum diagnostic images are to be achieved. Medical radiographers are too busy and focused to produce radiographs and thus may think that explaining radiological procedure to patient and establishing good rapport via communication is wasting of their precious time1 forgetting that the patient perception of general care, rating of profession and overall satisfaction all lie on effective interaction and communication. This is because most of them will not see the radiographs you are eager to produce, they will only rate you as a good or bad radiographer based on the way you handle and communicate with them2. The Radiographer-patient communication is essential for the delivery of high quality health care in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. It forms one of the foundation of contemporary medical ethics. Radiographer-patient relationships can be strengthened and patient outcomes improved through effective communication.2
without face-to- face patient communication a critical components is missing in the healing/diagnostic process.1, Also, it is important to realize that in our current health care system, patient sensitization is a patients’ right and care providers are responsible for providing this enlightment.3 evidence also suggests that patient- radiographer communication or care is associated with a higher rate of patient satisfaction and improved safety, efficiency and prescribed treatment leading to better patient outcomes.
It is necessary to state here the importance of confidence in the radiographer-patient communication. This issue bothers on the fact that a patient must have confidence in the competency of the radiographer and the patient must feel that they can confide in him /her.3
It should however be noted that the quality of radiographer patient communication is important to both parties. The better the communication in terms of mutual respect, knowledge, trust, shared values and perspective about disease and life and time available , the better will be the amount and quality of information about the patient condition thereby, enhancing accuracy of diagnosis, but where such a relationship is poor, the radiographers ability to make a full assessment is compromised and the patient is more likely to distrust the diagnosis and purpose treatment causing decreased compliance in following the instruction 4,5.
The American registry of radiological technologists and the American society of radiological technologists code of ethics outlines expectations for good communication practices in medical imaging 5,6 it is the duty of radiographers to adhere to these ethical standards in order to provide quality patient care and maintain the integrity of the profession. Proper patient communication provides the means to achieve those standards and includes displaying professional conduct toward patient; having an attitude of respect toward other professionals and the patient; and the responsibility to act as a patient advocate through all aspect of the patients’ care.5
As it is commonly said “if your are not informed, you are deformed”. Radiographers need to explain the procedure and provide the patient with instructions about what will be required of him or her to complete the examination successfully; this is important because radiographers need to ensure the patient understands the explanation and instructions7. Communication is a 2 way process, so radiographers must welcome patient participation and encourage patients to ask question about any concerns they may have5. Radiographers sometimes fail to remember that although performing the same type of procedures day in and day out is common to them, patients are often experiencing the particular examination for the first time. They are novice, scared and unsure, and require excellent communication and instruction from the radiographer to guide them through the process and thereby complying with the instructions given to them to achieve a better diagnostic image.