Meeting Patient Information Needs Before Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Development and Evaluation of an Information Booklet

Abstract 

The aim was to develop and evaluate a preparatory information booklet for adult patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The booklet was developed based on pertinent literature and clinical experience. After ethical approval, it was then evaluated qualitatively in 10 people who had received the booklet before their first ever MRI scan. All patients expressed the need for written preparatory information and seven had experienced prescan anxiety and discomfort. Participants found the booklet informative and easily understood, and expressed appreciation related to procedural, behavioral, and sensory information. A few minor misunderstandings were revealed. The impressions by previously MRI-naive participants in this study indicate that the information booklet was successful in providing procedural, behavioral, and sensory information. Minor booklet modifications should provide means to circumvent current misunderstandings. The process used to develop and evaluate the information booklet for this study illustrates an easily implemented strategy to meet patients' needs for preparatory information in clinical practice.