When it Comes to Science, Patients Need More than Sound Bites
 Mary C. Mahoney, M.D. |
Although imaging was frequently in the public spotlight in 2009, it was not always reflected in a positive light. As medical professionals, we support scientific rigor in the pursuit of patient health and safety, even—or especially when—it reveals flaws in the standard of patient care. However, we know that medical news isn't always accurate, especially when distilled into media sound bites. That is why radiologists must be prepared to participate in relevant medical news stories and to talk to patients directly about conflicting media reports.
To that end, RSNA's Public Information Committee (PIC) and Public Information Advisors Network (PIAN) members proactively promote radiology to the public and news media through studies in Radiology and at RSNA annual meetings. Volunteers also provide insight and context on radiology-related issues to news reporters and broadcasters throughout the year.
When such issues are thrust into the national spotlight, this cadre of experts helps provide the public with critical insight and balanced information. For example, when the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued revised screening mammography guidelines advising against routine screening mammography for women under age 50 last November, the issue drew immediate, widespread public interest and global media attention.
Even before the recommendations were issued, various government, patient advocacy and medical specialty groups, including PIC and PIAN, were rallied and prepared to level criticism at the controversial guidelines. That readiness helped us prepare a panel of experts for an RSNA 2009 news conference that put the subject in better focus for confused patients and referring physicians.
Medical science is often mystifying to our patients. While they may understand the general concept of benefit versus risk, the nuances of weighing those benefits and risks are not always as straight forward. As much as we can, we need to provide our patients with current, accurate information in a clear and comprehensible way. To aid our specialty in patient communication, PIC and PIAN are also involved in projects to help radiologists become more engaged and comfortable with patient interaction and communication. RSNA's "Patient-Centered Radiology" initiative and the RSNA/American College of Radiology joint public information Web site, RadiologyInfo.org, are two such projects.
Direct contact with patients is key, but realistically we cannot always meet with patients one on one. PIC and PIAN are critical to monitoring medical news and helping the media understand the fine distinctions in radiologic science. Getting important medical information to the public quickly and accurately promotes the high quality medical care we all strive to provide.
Mary C. Mahoney, M.D., is director of breast imaging at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and chair of the RSNA Public Information Committee.
