Radiology, Vol 182, 99-102, Copyright © 1992 by Radiological Society of North America
Emotional support for patients with cancer who are undergoing CT: semistructured interviews of patients at a cancer institute
JR Peteet, PC Stomper, DM Ross, V Cotton, P Truesdell and W Moczynski
Division of Psychiatry, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston.
To understand and improve the experience of cancer patients undergoing
computed tomography (CT), 79 patients who underwent CT at a cancer
institute participated in semistructured interviews about their experiences
with CT. All patients had previously undergone CT; 75% (n = 59), three
times or more. Anxiety about results was the most common concern during
first and subsequent CT examinations. Technical aspects were a common
concern during initial scanning, but not subsequently. Methods of
relaxation most used by patients during CT were following instructions (56%
[n = 44]), meditating and visualizing (44% [n = 35]), and praying (42% [n =
33]). Patients suggested several ways in which the radiology staff can
support them during the evaluation of their malignancy. Fifty-five (70%) of
the patients said they would like the radiologist to tell them the results
of their scanning. Optimal care of patients with cancer who undergo CT goes
beyond technical to emotional and spiritual support.
