RECEPTION DESK

This is most likely to be the first contact point that a patient or carer has with a diagnostic imaging department. It has been documented that patients should be given good quality information with regards to their care and be sufficiently informed before any medical examination takes place. It is therefore essential that the information process begins well. The reception team must be able to converse with the patients to ascertain their personal details; however, they must also be aware that there is the potential to be overheard by others. In some departments there is a line indicated by a stripe on the floor, indicating that only one patient should be at the desk at one time, whereas in other departments there may be a separate cubicle in which to ask personal details (Fig. 6.3). There are various notices informing patients of the no-smoking policy and zero tolerance of aggressive behaviour.

Figure 6.3 Reception desk with separate cubicle.

WAITING AREA

The patient will usually be directed to a sub-waiting area close to the X-ray room where their examination is to be carried out. In Figure 6.4 it can be seen that chairs have wipeable upholstery to reduce the risk of cross-infection. The chairs are also ranging in height and style to suit patients with mobility problems. A waiting area should be light and airy and have a selection of reading materials. The inclusion of wipeable toys may also be preferable in areas dealing with small children. It is important that if there is a delay due to unforeseen circumstances, the patients are aware of the time delay; this can often defuse difficult situations.

Figure 6.4 Waiting area.

CHANGING CUBICLE

A changing cubicle should contain a bench or chair to sit on. There should be a supply of gowns to accommodate both male and female statures. The door should be lockable but with safety locks in case of emergencies and patients should not be placed in a cubicle for long periods of time.Some hospitals provide baskets/lockers for the patient’s clothes in order to reduce the risk of theft and also free up cubicles for a more rapid throughput of patients.

For certain examinations (e.g. barium enemas) where patients may need to access a toilet promptly after the examination, a cubicle with toilet and shower facilities should be used. An emergency cord is also essential in case a patient feels unwell (Fig. 6.5).

Figure 6.5 Changing facilities with emergency cords highlighted.

GENERAL X-RAY ROOM

In the X-ray room it is important to remember that to a member of the public, old or young, this room containing lots of big pieces of machinery may look rather frightening. Therefore, it is important to make the patient comfortable and at ease by giving instructions in simple non-jargon terms. For example, to most people a bed or couch is what you lie on, not a table, so be aware of potential confusion. Following the examination the patient should be asked to wait until the image is checked and then given information on when and how to get the results. Table 6.2 shows patient preparation and aftercare for some typical departmental examinations.

Table 6.2 Patient preparation and aftercare for some typical departmental examinations

FLUOROSCOPY ROOM

The impression of this type of room is very similar to that of a general radiography room, but more high-tech. It is essential that the patient receives succinct instruction of what to do and is told in advance of any table or X-ray tube movements.

The patient is likely to spend more time in this room than in a general room. It will also be necessary for the patient to wait for any effects that the drugs or the examination may have had to wear off; for example the administration of a muscle relaxant (e.g. Buscopan or glucagon) may give blurred vision and therefore driving is not recommended until adequate vision has returned.

PATIENT SHOWER CUBICLE

In some examinations the end product of the examination might involve emptying the bladder whilst on the X-ray table or the leaking of contrast during the procedure. In either case patients usually feel as though they require a shower before getting dressed to remove traces of contrast medium. For this reason a shower cubicle may be provided in close proximity to the toilets and cubicles.