Characterizing imaging studies in healthy pediatric patients in an ambulatory center: parental perceptions, beliefs and expectations
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Abstract
Introduction: ediatric radiologic exams (PRE) are of great value for clinicians. It’s over or misuse can lead to irreparable damage that can be prevented.
Objective: to describe perceptions and expectations for the use of PRE among healthy children`s parents in an ambulatory center. To analyze these results in relation to the report of PRE performed in the emergency room during the same period.
Methods: observational, cross sectional, quali- quantitative study using a survey on a convenience sample conducted in an outpatient pediatric center over a two months period. Retrospective analysis of medical records to evaluate PRE requested on the ER during the 2 months of the study.
Results: 243 parents completed the survey. 93,4% were familiar with PRE (X-rays being the most popular among them). 83,4% of children in our sample had at least one PRE in the past 12 months. The need and utility of the study had been explained to the parents clearly in 96,4% of cases. 47,7% of parents knew about the side effects associated with repetitive use of PRE. 81,6% agreed with the statement “in the event that a child should suffer any trauma, an X-Ray should be performed to look for fractures”. Over 60% think a chest X ray has to be obtained if the child has
fever for over 48 hours and 55% would expect an X ray to be performed whenever a child has green nasal discharge. 49,8% respondents think that doctors order less than necessary (for lack of resources, unwillingness to work in or to save money). The analysis of clinical reports showed that X-Rays were performed to 5% of children at the emergency clinic. Among them, we found no reason for the study in 29% of the cases.
Conclusion: we found that parents were very familiar with PRE, however less than half our sample knew of the potential risks related to their use. There are considerable misconceptions among parents regarding X-Ray use. Parents considered that doctors order too little PRE.
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