A survey study investigating perceptions and acceptance of the whole-body imaging techniques used for the diagnosis of myeloma

A Ryder; C Parsons; C E Hutchinson; B Greaney; C D Thake

doi:10.1016/j.radi.2021.06.002

A survey study investigating perceptions and acceptance of the whole-body imaging techniques used for the diagnosis of myeloma

Radiography (Lond). 2021 Nov;27(4):1149-1157. doi: 10.1016/j.radi.2021.06.002. Epub 2021 Jul 10.

Authors

A Ryder¹, C Parsons², C E Hutchinson³, B Greaney⁴, C D Thake⁵

Affiliations

¹ University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK; Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK. Electronic address: adryder7@hotmail.com.
² University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK. Electronic address: Caron.parsons@uhcw.nhs.uk.
³ University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK. Electronic address: C.E.Hutchinson@warwick.ac.uk.
⁴ Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK. Electronic address: hsx437@coventry.ac.uk.
⁵ Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK. Electronic address: apx223@coventry.ac.uk.

PMID: 34257014
DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2021.06.002

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate patient perceptions and acceptance of the three whole-body imaging (WBI) modalities used for diagnosing myeloma; radiographic skeletal survey (RSS), low-dose whole-body computed tomography (LD-WBCT) and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI). The secondary aim was to explore the factors affecting the acceptance of whole-body imaging for myeloma.

Methods: 60 participants (median age = 58.5 years old) recruited from three NHS trusts and social media completed a survey in which they scored their experiences of each WBI modality on nine 5-point rating scales. Spearman's correlation coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare scores between different WBI techniques. Participants were invited to provide additional open text responses for interpretation using thematic analysis.

Results: All modalities demonstrated high levels of acceptability (median score = 4). WB-MRI was perceived as more stressful (p=<0.01) and claustrophobic (p=<0.01) than RSS and LD-WBCT. Thematic analysis showed patients understood the importance of imaging but had concerns about exacerbated pain and the results. WB-MRI was difficult to tolerate due to its duration. Respondents were averse to the physical manipulation required for RSS while remaining stationary was perceived as a benefit of LD-WBCT and WB-MRI. Staff interactions had both positive and negative effects on acceptance.

Conclusions: Despite the psychological and physical burdens of WBI, patients accepted its role in facilitating diagnosis. Staff support is vital for facilitating a positive whole-body imaging experience. Healthcare practitioners can improve WBI acceptance by understanding the burdens imposed by WBI and adopting the personalised care model.

Implications for practice: Patient experience can be improved by tailoring examinations to individual needs. RSS can be as burdensome as other WBI techniques and could be superseded by LD-WBCT or WB-MRI.

Keywords: Low-dose whole-body computed tomography; Myeloma; Patient perceptions; Patient-centered care; Skeletal survey; Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Middle Aged
Multiple Myeloma* / diagnostic imaging
Perception
Surveys and Questionnaires
Whole Body Imaging*