Engagement with Consumers
Information specifically for consumers was initially developed in two phases.
Phase 1 was concerned with a 'Needs Analysis' and was initiated by the Division of Imaging Services at Royal Perth Hospital in collaboration with The Health Consumers' Council of Western Australia in 2005. A project officer was employed. Focus Groups were convened and held at the offices of the Health Consumers' Council. A Consumer Information Reference Group was established to determine the needs and expectations of consumers and their carers. The Focus Groups and the Consumer Information Reference Group included health service representatives from public hospitals in Western Australia (imaging specialists, technologists and nurses), private providers of imaging services, and consumer representatives nominated by The Health Consumers' Council of WA. These groups developed recommendations relating to format and presentation, content, subject and structure.
The TABLE 1 summarises the recommended format and presentation of the information.
TABLE 1: Recommended Format of Information for Consumers
Language and Prose |
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TABLE 2 summarises the recommended content of information for consumers.
TABLE 2: Recommended Content of Information for Consumers
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TABLE 3 summarises subjects initially recommended for the development of information for consumers.
TABLE 3: Recommended Subjects of Information for Consumers
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TABLE 4 summarises the recommended structure for information for consumers
TABLE 4: Recommended Structure of Information for Consumers
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Title |
State problem being investigated and imaging for which referred |
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Statement Of Purpose |
“This information is to help you …………….” |
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Reasons For Referral |
“This imaging referral may tell us ………….” “You have been referred for this test and not other because …..” (include pathway information if appropriate) |
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Benefits and Risks Of Imaging |
Benefits of having, not having, deferring imaging Risks of having, not having, deferring imaging Include reference to high risk groups if appropriate (eg pregnancy, diabetes) |
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Experience of Imaging |
Describe what happens Describe how it will feel, smell, taste, experience, before, during and after imaging |
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Preparation for Imaging |
Describe what to wear and what not to wear Describe any special preparation (fasting, ingestion of special materials, etc) |
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Results |
Who will provide the results, when and where How the images will be provided (digitally or hard-copy) Who will keep the images and where |
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Consent |
Explain if written consent will be required for the imaging |
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Side Effects and After Effects |
Describe what may happen after imaging, and conditions which require contact with a health-care professional |
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Further Imaging |
Present information on pathways if appropriate |
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Additional Information |
“You can get more information from ………..” Include reference to relevant Special Interest Groups, Support Groups, etc |
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Consumer Participation |
“This material has been reviewed by health consumers (give examples) ……” |
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Authors, Qualifications, Affiliations |
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Sponsorship |
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Date Created, Date Last Revised |
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Date of Printing |
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Feedback |
Include a statement encouraging feedback, provide a survey instrument, and describe how to submit feedback |
Phase 2 commenced in 2008 with the objective of developing information for consumers based on recommendations that were drafted in Phase 1. The broad aim was to develop information on health topics and imaging examinations identified as a priority, and in a form that ‘most people in the community of Western Australia can understand most of the time’. A project officer was employed and a Consumer Information Review Group was convened which included representatives from the following groups:
- Aboriginal people
- People with disabilities
- Seniors
- CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse)
- Division of Imaging Services at Royal Perth Hospital
- General Practitioners
The project officer drafted information on health topics and imaging examinations that had been identified as a priority and in accordance with the agreed criteria in consultation with the Editor and staff from the Division of Imaging Services at Royal Perth Hospital (imaging specialists, technologists and nurses). The information was then reviewed by the Consumer Information Review Group and Editorial Panel. Input and suggestions were provided to the project officer at meetings and via email. All suggestions were considered and information was re-drafted to ensure that finalised information met the established criteria.
When further topices are identified for development, a Quality Coordinator convenes and engages with a 'virtual' Consumer Information Review Group as summarised in Production Processes. Membership of this group includes imaging specialists, technologists and nurses. Consumer representatives are recruited in consultation with the Health Consumers' Council of WA. The 'Date reviewed:' and the 'Date of next review:' is recorded on the material.
When Diagnostic Imaging Pathways or information about imaging procedures are reviewed as summarised in Production Processes, any corresponding information for consumers is also reviewed and revised according to these processes. The 'Date reviewed:' and the 'Date of next review:' is recorded on the material.
Date reviewed: July 2017
Date of next review: July 2019