Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, August 1999. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--Pennsylvania State University, 2008. / Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Florida, 2002. / Title from title page of source document. Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Florida, 2005. / Title from title page of source document. Document formatted into pages; contains 125 pages. Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Quality of patient care has received much publicity with patients becoming more informed about their rights in the hospital. Consequently they are making greater healthcare demands. Increasing consideration needs to be taken of the quality of care given to the patients, and of their feelings about the services provided. The research investigates patients experiences of barium enemas, with the aim of gaining a holistic view of the examination, and addresses the area of patient information in this context. The underlying purpose of the research is to employ professional knowledge to address the psychological needs of patients. The research has tracked the patient's experience and perception of the barium enema examination throughout its whole process. This involved three main phases using both qualitative and quantitative methods, each focusing on patient care and satisfaction. Using interviews it was established that patients attending for barium enema were anxious. Following this the relationship between information and anxiety was addressed using a computer assisted learning package and a specially designed information leaflet. It was found that patients who had received the information leaflet had statistically significant reduced levels of anxiety. Furthermore, patients receiving the leaflet had a stronger feeling of having sufficient information than those who received only the standard hospital information. Giving the patient information relating to the procedures and likely sensations has been shown to reduce their anxiety level. The computer package showed potential for knowledge gain and usability. Implications of the results are in the area of professionalism, role development and standards for care of the patient in the diagnostic imaging department. Clinical implications are at a patient management level, with attention to continuity of care. It is suggested that high quality patient care and increased patient satisfaction can result when a more holistic and patient centred approach is adopted by radiographers.

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A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Medicine in Diagnostic Radiology Johannesburg, 2014. / INTRODUCTION: Litigation may involve radiology personnel radiological reports and imaging studies as evidence and therefore influences clinical practice. Litigation is implicated in defensive radiology practices. There are no publications addressing litigation and radiology specifically for South Africa. AIM: To determine the number of legal cases involving radiological personnel and radiological investigations in South Africa and frequency of citing of these within the law reports. METHOD: The search engine attached to The Southern African Legal Information Institute (SAFLII) website was searched systematically for the period 2001 to 2010 with keywords relating to radiologists, radiographers and equipment / imaging modalities using a frequency ‘citation’ score. RESULTS: 114 legal cases involving radiological personnel and radiological investigations in South Africa were identified (0.5% of all cases reported). Few radiologists have been sued in medicolegal lawsuits, but nearly a quarter of all radiology medicolegal reports, involved radiologists providing expert opinion and reports. In addition to being the commonest imaging investigation to feature in medicolegal reports (in over two thirds), plain X-rays also had the highest citation scores. CONCLUSIONS: Very few radiologists have been the accused in medicolegal suits, yet radiologists were involved in nearly a quarter of reports, predominantly providing expert opinion and reports. Plain X-rays were the commonest imaging investigation to feature but CT scanning featured in 20% of reports. This is of particular concern because this is considered an advanced technology, not widely available in South Africa.

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