Addressing the patient experience in an MRI department : final results from an action research study

Introduction: Patients undergoing MRI can experience anxiety and claustrophobia. A multi-method action research study was conducted to determine how patient care was currently being delivered in an MRI department and to determine whether this could be improved.Methods: This action research study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods. Changes were introduced into the department after baseline data collection to address areas for improvement. A survey was conducted of patients to establish their level of satisfaction/anxiety and to determine whether this improved during the course of the project. Staff practice was qualitatively observed over the course of the project and observations recorded in a field diary. Finally, focus groups were held with staff. Results: For patients, the project resulted in improved satisfaction, lower anxiety and increased the amount of patients receiving information compared to the results of a baseline survey. However, these findings were not statistically significant. Amongst staff, qualitative observations portrayed a renewed focus on the patient in MRI including changes in their actions such as increased use of touch, improved communication and focused efforts to maintain privacy.Conclusions: This study was able to achieve a change in practice through an action research cycle in a magnetic resonance imaging department. Over the course of the project, improvements were made to the department, and radiographers changed the way they acted and interacted with patients