Training health professionals in patient-centered communication during magnetic resonance imaging to reduce patients’ perceived anxiety

Abstract

Objective: We examined how a patient-centered communication training program for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) affected health professional (HP) practice and patients’ perceived anxiety (PA). Methods: We implemented an intervention program. Six of the 17 eligible HPs completed the study. The proportion of observed desired behaviors (PODBs), including MRI procedure explanation (MRI-PE), communication, and MRI checking procedures was measured using an observation grid. We tested 182 patients (85 pre-, 58 post-, and 39 at follow-up) for PA pre- and post-MRI. Results: The Bayesian ANOVA effect size suggested moderate evidence of improvement in HP PODBs, preto post-intervention. Use of MRI-PE declined between post-intervention and follow-up (6 months later). Observed changes in PA, pre- to post-MRI, could be related to time constraints and perceived pressure to explain the exam in detail once institutional routines are reestablished. Conclusion: In MRI units, time constraints condition the performance of HPs who address patients’ PA. Practice implications: “Real workplace” interventions that promote better patient-centered communication and provide each patient with a comprehensive explanation of MRI procedures also appear to improve HP PODBs.