Patient Centered Radiology – An Introduction in Form of a Narrative Review

Background Patient centered radiology represents a crucial aspect for modern sustainable radiology. The definition of patient-centered consists of a focus on patients’ individual values and wishes with a respectful integration in medical decisions. In this narrative review we try to give a practical introduction into this complex topic with the extension to a person-centered radiology, which additionally encompasses values and wishes of radiological and other medical colleagues.

Methods Medline search between 2010 and 2021 using “patient-centered radiology” with additional subjective selection of articles for this narrative review.

Results Regarding patients’ experiences the main literature focus were patients’ fears of examinations (movement restrictions, uncertainty). Most patients would prefer a direct communication with the radiologist after the examination. Regarding interdisciplinary communication the radiological expertise and quality is highly appreciated; however, there was a general wish for more structured- or itemized reporting. Concerning working conditions radiologists were satisfied despite high psychosocial working pressure.

Conclusion Most of the literature on this topic consists of surveys evaluating the current state. Studies on interventions such as improved information before examinations or patient-readable reports are still scarce. There is a dilemma between an increasing radiological workload and the simultaneous wish for more patient-centered approaches such as direct radiologist-patient communications in the daily routine. Still on our way to a more value-based radiology we have to focus on patient communications and a patient-centered medicine.