| Summary: | Abstract The purpose of this study was to describe the information obtained by adult patients and parents of children in connection with radiological examinations using ionizing radiation and their wishes concerning it. In addition, the purpose was to describe and explain radiographers’ actions when informing about radiation doses and risks as well as possible barriers related to informing. The study consisted of two sub-studies. The first sub-study described and explained the information obtained by adult patients (sub-publication I) and parents of children (sub publication III) in connection with radiological examinations using ionizing radiation and their wishes concerning the information (sub-publications II and III). The second sub-study described and explained radiographers’ actions when informing the patients and the barriers related to it (sub-publications IV and V). Data were collected from adult patients (n = 147), parents (n = 41) and radiographers (n = 174) using semi-structured questionnaires developed for this study. Convenience sampling was used in the two studies and radiographers in Northern Finland were invited to the study. The data were analyzed by statistical methods. The answers to open questions were classified according to the principle of content analysis. Adult patients and parents did not receive sufficient information. In particular, they were insufficiently informed about the dose and risks of radiation and alternative examinations. Patients and parents of children received more information about the purpose of the examination. They wished to receive diverse information about the examination, particularly from the referring practitioner and radiographer, as well as written information. Specifically, information on the purpose of the examination and dose and risks of radiation was expected. Radiographers had informed patients infrequently about dose and risks of radiation. They thought they might cause unnecessary fear or that informing was not necessary. They also assumed that the ...
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