Radiographers' perspectives on interactions with patients exhibiting cognitive impairment and dementia during magnetic resonance imaging examinations

IF 2 Q3 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Pub Date : 2026-05-01 Epub Date: 2026-02-07 DOI:10.1016/j.jmir.2026.102187

Sarah Hanley , Mark F. McEntee , Peter Murphy , Rena Young , Andrew England , Salman Mohammed Albeshan , Mohammadreza Elhaie

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Dementia and cognitive impairment are prevalent among older adults and present significant challenges during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, particularly regarding compliance, communication, and procedural adaptations. Despite MRI’s central role in diagnosing neurodegenerative disorders, limited research has examined radiographers’ experiences with this vulnerable patient group.

Objective

To quantitatively investigate radiographers’ interactions with patients exhibiting dementia or cognitive impairment during MRI examinations, focusing on procedural barriers, adaptations, and implications for patient care.

Methods

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the MRI department of a tertiary public hospital in Ireland. Eight state-registered MRI radiographers completed structured questionnaires (n = 20 patient encounters) immediately following examinations of patients with documented or observed cognitive impairment or dementia. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were used to analyze procedural outcomes, communication effectiveness, and modifications implemented.

Results

Patients had a mean age of 77 years (range 65–89). Cognitive status was undocumented on referral in 85% of cases and most often identified via ward communication (50%). Only 25% of patients fully comprehended instructions, with 75% unable to cooperate. Procedural modifications were required in 30% of cases, primarily reduced scan duration and motion correction. Examination disruptions included incompleteness (25%) and abortion (15%). Patient distress was observed before (10%), during (30%), and after (15%) scanning. Radiographers employed strategies such as increased communication and interaction, though no carers were present during scans.

Conclusion

Radiographers face substantial challenges in managing MRI examinations for patients with dementia or cognitive impairment, including poor referral documentation, communication barriers, and frequent procedural disruptions. Findings highlight the need for dementia-friendly protocols, environmental adaptations, carer involvement, and targeted radiographer training to optimize diagnostic quality and patient-centered care.

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放射技师在磁共振成像检查中与表现出认知障碍和痴呆的患者互动的观点

背景痴呆症和认知障碍在老年人中普遍存在，并在磁共振成像（MRI）检查中提出了重大挑战，特别是在依从性、沟通和程序适应方面。尽管MRI在诊断神经退行性疾病方面发挥着核心作用，但有限的研究检查了放射技师对这一弱势患者群体的经验。目的定量调查放射技师与MRI检查中表现出痴呆或认知障碍的患者的互动，重点关注程序障碍、适应和对患者护理的影响。方法在爱尔兰某三级公立医院核磁共振科进行前瞻性横断面研究。8名国家注册的MRI放射技师在对记录或观察到认知障碍或痴呆的患者进行检查后立即完成结构化问卷调查（n = 20例患者接触）。描述性统计和交叉表用于分析程序结果、沟通有效性和实施的修改。结果患者平均年龄为77岁（65 ~ 89岁）。85%的病例在转诊时未记录认知状态，最常通过病房沟通确定（50%）。只有25%的患者完全理解指示，75%的患者无法合作。30%的病例需要进行程序修改，主要是减少扫描时间和运动矫正。检查中断包括不完整（25%）和流产（15%）。在扫描前（10%）、扫描中（30%）和扫描后（15%）观察患者的痛苦。放射技师采用了增加沟通和互动等策略，尽管扫描期间没有护理人员在场。结论：放射科医师在处理痴呆或认知障碍患者的MRI检查时面临着巨大的挑战，包括转诊文件不完善、沟通障碍和频繁的程序中断。研究结果强调需要痴呆症友好型方案、环境适应、护理人员参与和有针对性的放射技师培训，以优化诊断质量和以患者为中心的护理。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING-

CiteScore

2.30

自引率

11.10%

发文量

231

审稿时长

53 days

期刊介绍： Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences is the official peer-reviewed journal of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. This journal is published four times a year and is circulated to approximately 11,000 medical radiation technologists, libraries and radiology departments throughout Canada, the United States and overseas. The Journal publishes articles on recent research, new technology and techniques, professional practices, technologists viewpoints as well as relevant book reviews.