ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There is a worldwide trend towards involving patients in health care, but little is known about children's expectations of routine radiological procedures. OBJECTIVE: To determine children's perceptions of X-ray examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A convenience sample was selected from consecutive patients referred to a children's hospital in Scotland. Children were allocated either to a drawing study ( n=20) or a two-stage interview ( n=25). The investigation was restricted to first-time users of the radiological service aged 7-14 years if accompanied by a parent and consent having been obtained. Children were excluded if pain control was administered in the Accident and Emergency Department. Children's drawings were reported on by an art therapist and a child psychiatrist. RESULTS: All children approached agreed to participate. Seventeen children provided accurate pictures of the X-ray examination room. Concordance existed between the psychiatrist's and art therapist's reports. Children at interview had at least a minimal level of knowledge of X-rays and this was from (1) family, friends and neighbours, (2) the school classroom, and (3) television programmes. CONCLUSIONS: Children had anxieties revealed through drawings and interviews. We recommend drawings for establishing children's views of radiology.
