With the recent implementation of the Cures Act, which grants patients immediate access to radiology reports, a new study has shed light on how this change impacts the mental well-being of oncology patients. The study, conducted by researchers from City of Hope National Medical Center, aimed to understand the effects of allowing patients to review their radiology results before discussing them with their oncologist. The findings were published by the International Journal of Radiation Oncology. [1]
Oncology patients often face emotionally challenging discussions based on their imaging results, as these findings can influence decisions regarding treatment, prognosis, and invasive medical procedures, the researchers led by Nicholas Eustace, MD, PhD, resident physician at City of Hope, wrote. The study hypothesized that providing patients with immediate access to imaging reports might lead to increased anxiety, stress, and confusion.
To investigate this hypothesis, patients and their family members were invited to participate in an anonymous multiple-choice survey before a scheduled follow-up appointment with their radiation oncologist. The survey asked participants about their preferences for reviewing radiology reports before their scheduled visit, along with their reported anxiety levels before diagnostic imaging, both after directly receiving their results and after discussing the results with their oncologist.
The findings, which included responses from 54 individuals surveyed over a two-week period, revealed anxiety was alleviated when patients had access to their reports and diagnoses in a timely manner.
Initially, 33% of respondents reported high levels of anxiety before undergoing diagnostic scans. However, this anxiety decreased to 20% for those who received their radiology report before discussing it with their oncologist. It further lowered to 13% after reviewing the report and images with the oncologist.
Regarding preferences for reviewing reports and images, 46% favored reviewing only radiology reports, 35% preferred reviewing both imaging and the report together, and 19% had no preference. Only 18.5% of respondents preferred viewing the reports before discussing them with their oncologist, and merely 20% felt it was beneficial to have early access to them.
“A small proportion of patients preferred having early access to imaging reports and most patients preferred reviewing only the report, not the images,” the authors wrote. “Strategies including shortened intervals between immediate access and discussions with oncologists may minimize anxiety associated with imaging as most patients preferred first discussing the results with their oncologist.”
The findings suggest that most patients prefer discussing sensitive imaging results with their healthcare provider, highlighting the importance of timely communication and personalized care in oncology settings. Further research is likely necessary to determine the best patient engagement strategy, especially since patient preferences are not entirely aligned.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.