The first in a series of posters, published by the Clinical Imaging Board, provides information to patients and carers about the radiation used during common imaging procedures.
The first covers nuclear medicine tests and the others will include CT, general and dental x-rays, fluoroscopy, and symptomatic mammography.
Each poster can be printed locally as an A5 handout, or as an A3 or larger poster for noticeboards.
Steve Herring, SCoR past-president and chair of the Clinical Imaging Board, said: “The posters will provide clear and accessible information for patients and carers. They complement the expertise of staff, who talk to patients on an individual basis, by answering questions patients may have while they are in the waiting room.”
He added: “It is important that patients are aware that the potential small risk from ionising radiation from the imaging procedure has been assessed by a specialist, and that the test can go ahead because the benefits outweigh the risks. These posters will help to get over this key message.”
The posters were created for CIB by a group of professionals involving in imaging including clinical scientists, radiologists and radiographers, and they were tested with groups including lay members and patient representatives.
The Clinical Imaging Board is a collaboration between the Royal College of Radiologists, the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) and the Society and College of Radiographers.