Factors Affecting Radiology Student is Attitudes toward Elder Patients

Abstract

Introduction: It is of value to comprehend and to evaluate the mindsets of students in   radiography towards more elderly patients. Clinical medicine in this population contributes significantly to public health. The ability to offer optimised radiolgoy services to older patients is dependent on the way in which radiology staff view and empathise with this cohort.

Objectives: The aim of this longitudinal qualitative study was to establish the factors which influence the mindsets of third-year university undergraduate radiology students to more elderly individuals with the use of a survey.

Methods A comparison was carried out between data obtained from students in various streams and from a range of levels, and also between students of different genders as they progressed through their practical training. Additionally, a training intervention, which was created specifically in order to enhance students’ mindsets towards elderly patients, was implemented.

Results: 71.3% of the undergraduates failed to gain sufficient knowledge regarding the older population (mean score, 139.5 ± 16.0). Their mean score for their knowledge relating to ageing was 12.2 ± 2.7. Positive attitudes (KoP > 102) were evident in 98.6% and 98.7% of first-year and third-year students, respectively, with a higher KoP score evident in the latter group (P < 0.01). Higher scores (P < 0.01) were also noted in students who took a particular interest in issues affecting the older population than in their less interested counterparts; the former were also more likely to pursue a career within radiology.

Conclusions: Most of the undergraduate radiography students surveyed exhibited a positive mindset towards older patients. It is recommended that improved access to geriatric medicine training courses should be achieved in order to meet the educational requisites relevant to this healthcare domain.