Patient Centered Care in Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy

Health investigation and treatment have moved from a clinician-centred approach to a patient-centred approach during the past few decades. Patients are now rightly regarded as empowered and informed users of health services, not passive recipients.

Motivated by this philosophical shift, this new book identifies the key issues underpinning the complete delivery of good patient care and considers their application in the medical radiation sciences. Taking a UK/European perspective, the authors examine how a holistic approach is related to legislation, human rights and perceived patient needs. Medical imaging and radiotherapy are front line services experienced by vast numbers of patients with acute and chronic medical conditions, including trauma and cancer.

The book includes coverage of behavioural science and health psychology together with practical applications such as safe manual handling, infection control and radiation safety. This provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of what contributes to the patients experience in diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy. It also considers other aspects of the patient experience, such as inter-professional team working, disability, communication, clinical procedures and practice.