Department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Science, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeri
Okaro, A.O., Department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Science, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria; Ohagwu, C.C., Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria; Njoku, J., Department of Radiobiology, Radiotherapy, Radio-diagnosis and Radiography, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria
The aim of this study was to evaluate patient care in radio-diagnostic departments in three tertiary hospitals in Enugu from the patients' perspective. The study was a crosssectional prospective survey that targeted 300 conscious patients who presented for x-ray examinations during the period of the study. The data collection instrument was a 20-item self-completion questionnaire designed in line with the objectives of the study. The results show that hygiene, instructions and explanations, and lifting of injured patients were perceived to be adequate by the patients. Other aspects of patient care such as length of waiting time, comfort of waiting areas and radiation protection were perceived to be suboptimal. In conclusion, some of the radiographer's core professional duties of hygiene, lifting very ill or injured patients, instructions and explanations to patients were perceived as adequate but the social aspect of patient care was perceived as inadequate. This can be improved upon by various hospital management teams by providing socially acceptable and comfortable waiting areas. © 2010 EuroJournals Publishing, Inc.
