TY - JOUR
T1 - Strategies to Improve Radiographic Practices for Patients With Alzheimer's Disease
T2 - A Systematic Review
AU - Chang, Angie
AU - Singh, Nabita
AU - Boyd, Lori
AU - Lawson, Celeste
PY - 2016/12/1
Y1 - 2016/12/1
N2 - Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients are one of the highest health care service users globally. In the context of radiography, there are many AD patients who undergo imaging procedures for common age-related conditions. However, there is currently no literature on how radiographers can effectively manage such patients in imaging situations. Methodology This review examined the literature regarding the interaction between Alzheimer's patients and other health care professionals (eg, nurses) and the strategies that have been used to improve patient compliance and accommodate functional decline. Findings Many strategies relating to care of patients with AD are long term, and cannot be applied in a radiographic setting, where patients may only present once. Transferrable strategies for a radiographic setting include the support of carers during the examination process, a reduction in noise and use of calming music, and allowing the patient to personalize the examination room by bringing a photograph or an item of comfort. Conclusion These simple strategies can reduce the level of anxiety experienced by AD patients, reduce typical behavioral symptoms of agitation, aggression and discomfort, and increase patient cooperation and responsiveness.
AB - Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients are one of the highest health care service users globally. In the context of radiography, there are many AD patients who undergo imaging procedures for common age-related conditions. However, there is currently no literature on how radiographers can effectively manage such patients in imaging situations. Methodology This review examined the literature regarding the interaction between Alzheimer's patients and other health care professionals (eg, nurses) and the strategies that have been used to improve patient compliance and accommodate functional decline. Findings Many strategies relating to care of patients with AD are long term, and cannot be applied in a radiographic setting, where patients may only present once. Transferrable strategies for a radiographic setting include the support of carers during the examination process, a reduction in noise and use of calming music, and allowing the patient to personalize the examination room by bringing a photograph or an item of comfort. Conclusion These simple strategies can reduce the level of anxiety experienced by AD patients, reduce typical behavioral symptoms of agitation, aggression and discomfort, and increase patient cooperation and responsiveness.
KW - Alzheimer disease
KW - dementia
KW - patient-centered care
KW - Radiography
KW - systematic review
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85000982063&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jmir.2016.09.005
DO - 10.1016/j.jmir.2016.09.005
M3 - Review Article
AN - SCOPUS:85000982063
SN - 1939-8654
VL - 47
SP - 362
EP - 366
JO - Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences
JF - Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences
IS - 4
ER -