Bayer has announced results from a global survey involving more than 1,000 patients across seven countries to assess the patient experience with MRI and/or CT procedures. The findings from the subpopulation of 162 U.S. patients showed that although the majority felt informed leading up to a procedure and satisfied with the overall experience, half of the patients felt anxious.

In addition, despite feeling well informed, nearly one-quarter of the 162 U.S. patients surveyed specifically stated more face-to-face interaction would be helpful prior to their procedure, with 15% wanting more electronic support, such as a video on the procedure. This is particularly important as properly preparing patients ahead of their imaging procedure has been shown to contribute to a better quality image, thereby aiding detection, likely because patients are more relaxed during the procedure.

“Medical imaging is critical to detecting and monitoring a variety of diseases, but patients are often nervous when they learn they need an MRI or CT scan, about the procedure itself and the results,” says Jocelyn Rapelyea, MD, professor and residency program director, diagnostic radiology, associate director, breast imaging and intervention, The George Washington University. “These findings will help radiology suites better understand their patient’s needs, help reduce anxiety and better prepare them for their procedure, which may ultimately increase image quality.”

More than three-quarters of U.S. participants said the quality of the consultation with the referring physician, radiologist, and/or radiographer/radiology technician was the most important factor during their imaging experience. Additionally, only 18% of patients felt comfortable with the concept of having their image results interpreted by a computer instead of by a healthcare professional (HCP), further highlighting the importance of HCP interaction.

To address these gaps and help improve patient care, Bayer has created materials for both children and adults on what to expect around an MRI or CT scan, which are available on Bayer’s radiology resources website.

“In a time where information can be accessed anywhere and at any time, it is perhaps not surprising that patients are also wanting more information about their imaging procedure,” says Thomas Balzer, MD, head of medical and clinical affairs radiology, Bayer. “These results emphasize the role that education can play in ensuring patients feel both confident and reassured ahead of, during, and after their scan. At Bayer, we have developed support materials for both patients and radiologists with the goal of increasing this knowledge, to the benefit of all involved.”