Ogwudu F N, Akpaniwo G M
Radiology Department, Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, England, UK.
Radiology Department, Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, England, UK.
Radiography (Lond). 2025 Mar;31(2):102875. doi: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.01.010. Epub 2025 Jan 31.
Hearing loss is a widespread disability, and unfortunately, deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) patients often experience unequal healthcare and unmet needs. People with the condition are predisposed to anxiety, fatigue and depression. Communication barriers are a major issue, particularly during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans where clear radiographer-patient communication is crucial for safety and quality imaging. This study aimed to understand the experiences of MRI Radiographers in providing care to DHH patients for MRI scans.
A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study design using purposive sampling to gain in-depth insights. The study comprised seven MRI radiographers working clinically at a public hospital in England. Data was collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed using Microsoft 365 software. The transcripts were coded into categories and further on, into themes using the inductive approach of thematic analysis.
The study revealed five key themes: communication barriers and consequences, current approaches to care, satisfaction of care provisions, prospects of technological advancements and training and professional development. The findings show that MRI radiographers encounter distinct and diverse communication difficulties while caring for DHH patients. Radiographers' experiences indicated the need for evidence-based strategies in addressing the communication challenges of DHH individuals. Some participants acknowledged that training and technological interventions could help with providing quality care for the patient group in MRI.
The study's findings advocate for inclusiveness in delivering MRI services. It presents compelling evidence for MRI service providers to support radiographers by encouraging training and implementing approaches that guarantee safe, quality, and consistent care for patients with hearing impairments. The diversity of the DHH population's communication needs and lack of comprehensive guidelines are recognised to contribute to the struggle to deliver good care.
To mitigate DHH patients' communication challenges, MRI service providers should sufficiently train MRI radiographers, create a supportive environment and promote services that address their needs.
听力损失是一种普遍存在的残疾，不幸的是，失聪和听力障碍（DHH）患者往往经历不平等的医疗保健且需求未得到满足。患有这种疾病的人容易出现焦虑、疲劳和抑郁。沟通障碍是一个主要问题，尤其是在磁共振成像（MRI）扫描期间，清晰的放射技师与患者沟通对于安全和高质量成像至关重要。本研究旨在了解MRI放射技师在为DHH患者进行MRI扫描时提供护理的经验。
采用定性描述性现象学研究设计，通过目的抽样以获得深入见解。该研究包括在英国一家公立医院临床工作的七名MRI放射技师。数据通过半结构化面对面访谈收集。使用Microsoft 365软件对音频记录进行转录。使用主题分析的归纳方法将转录本编码为类别，进而编码为主题。
该研究揭示了五个关键主题：沟通障碍及后果、当前的护理方法、护理提供的满意度、技术进步的前景以及培训与专业发展。研究结果表明，MRI放射技师在护理DHH患者时会遇到独特且多样的沟通困难。放射技师的经验表明，需要基于证据的策略来应对DHH个体的沟通挑战。一些参与者承认，培训和技术干预有助于为MRI中的患者群体提供优质护理。
该研究结果倡导在提供MRI服务时具有包容性。它为MRI服务提供者提供了有力证据，以通过鼓励培训和实施确保为听力受损患者提供安全、优质和一致护理的方法来支持放射技师。人们认识到DHH人群沟通需求的多样性以及缺乏全面的指导方针导致了提供优质护理的困难。
为了减轻DHH患者的沟通挑战，MRI服务提供者应充分培训MRI放射技师，营造支持性环境并推广满足他们需求的服务。
