1.1 Introduction
Patient education refers to the systematic process through which healthcare professionals provide individuals with relevant information, skills, and understanding to enable them make informed decisions about their health and actively participate in their care. It is a fundamental component of quality healthcare delivery, as it enhances patient awareness, promotes safety, and supports informed consent. In the context of radiological services, patient education focuses on explaining the nature of radiation, its medical applications, potential risks, and the safety measures employed to minimize exposure (World Health Organization, 2016).
Radiation is widely used in modern medicine for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, fluoroscopy, and radiotherapy. However, ionizing radiation has the ability to damage biological tissues, and exposure is associated with potential health risks such as skin injuries, cataracts, and an increased probability of developing cancer later in life, particularly with repeated or high-dose exposure (Hall & Giaccia, 2019).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Patient education in healthcare has evolved alongside advances in medical science, reflecting the growing recognition of patients as active participants in their own care. According to the World Health Organization (2016), patient education initially emerged in the early 20th century as a response to public health challenges, with a focus on preventing infectious diseases and promoting hygiene. Over time, this concept expanded to include education on treatment procedures, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. The importance of informing patients about potential risks associated with medical interventions, including radiation exposure, became more pronounced with the introduction of diagnostic imaging technologies in the mid-20th century (World Health Organization, 2016).
The advancement of medical science has led to the increased use of ionizing radiation in healthcare for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. According to the World Health Organization, medical exposure to ionizing radiation represents the largest source of man-made radiation exposure to the general population, largely due to the growing reliance on radiological imaging in clinical practice (World Health Organization, 2016). Procedures such as X-rays, computed tomography scans, fluoroscopy, and radiotherapy are now indispensable in disease diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.
Several scholars have emphasized the importance of patient education in mitigating radiation risks. Hall and Giaccia (2019) asserted that ionizing radiation has the capacity to damage living tissues and cells, and that unnecessary or poorly managed exposure may increase the likelihood of both short-term and long-term biological effects. In line with this, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that effective communication and education of patients about radiation risks and benefits are central to the principles of radiation protection and patient safety in medical practice (International Atomic Energy Agency, 2018).
Research evidence suggests that patients often have limited knowledge of radiation and its associated risks. European Commission (2014) stated that many patients undergoing radiological examinations either overestimate the dangers of radiation due to fear and misinformation or underestimate the risks due to lack of adequate explanation from healthcare providers. A study by Brady, Cain, and Johnston (2012) reported that high patient workload, time constraints, and limited communication skills among healthcare professionals often reduce the quality of information provided to patients about radiation risks. Similarly, Akinlade et al. (2014) affirmed that low literacy levels and limited public awareness about radiation safety contribute significantly to poor patient understanding in many Nigerian healthcare settings (Akinlade et al., 2014).
In Nigeria, tertiary healthcare institutions such as the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, play a critical role in providing radiological services to a large and diverse population. However, there is limited empirical documentation on how patient education regarding radiation risks is implemented in such facilities. Scholars contend that assessing patient education practices is necessary to identify gaps in knowledge dissemination and to strengthen radiation safety culture within healthcare institutions (Ofori et al., 2013). This study is set against the backdrop of the growing use of medical radiation and the need for effective patient education to ensure safe, ethical, and patient-centered radiological practice.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that medical imaging and therapeutic procedures that involve ionizing radiation are integral to modern healthcare delivery, particularly in tertiary health institutions such as the Federal Medical Centre, Bida. At the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, radiological services play a significant role in patient management across different clinical departments. However, the absence of structured and consistent patient education strategies may contribute to misconceptions, fear, or overestimation of radiation dangers among patients.
Furthermore, regulatory bodies and international health organizations emphasize the importance of patient education as part of radiation protection and safety culture in healthcare settings. Failure to adequately educate patients not only affects patient satisfaction and trust in healthcare providers but also exposes health institutions to ethical and legal challenges related to informed consent and patient rights (International Atomic Energy Agency, 2018). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to assess patient education on radiation risks at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of patient education on radiation risks at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the current strategies employed by the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, to educate patients about radiation risks.
- To assess patients' knowledge and perception of radiation risks prior to and after receiving information from healthcare professionals.
- To identify challenges faced by healthcare providers in delivering radiation education to patients.
- To recommend strategies for enhancing patient education on radiation risks in the hospital setting.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What strategies are currently employed at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, to educate patients about radiation risks?
- How much do patients understand about radiation risks before and after receiving information from healthcare providers?
- What challenges do healthcare professionals face in delivering patient education on radiation risks?
- What measures can be adopted to improve patient education on radiation risks in the institution?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0: There is no significant relationship between patient education practices at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, and patients' understanding of radiation risks.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between patient education practices at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, and patients' understanding of radiation risks.
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will help healthcare professionals design better communication strategies, enhance patient safety, and promote informed decision-making. Also, the research will assist government and health regulatory agencies in evaluating and strengthening radiation safety standards in Nigerian healthcare facilities.
Furthermore, the study will enable radiologists, radiographers, and other staff to improve communication techniques and ensure patients are adequately informed. In addition, the study will provide evidence for implementing structured patient education programs and policies that enhance service delivery.
Lastly, the study will serve as a reference for future research on radiation safety, patient education, and healthcare communication.
1.8 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the assessment of patient education on radiation risks specifically within the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, located in Niger State, Nigeria. It covers patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that involve ionizing radiation, as well as healthcare professionals responsible for delivering radiation education. The study is limited to examining the methods, content, and effectiveness of patient education practices within this hospital context.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Patient Education:
Patient education is the process of providing information, guidance, and support to patients to help them understand their health conditions, treatment options, and potential risks associated with medical procedures (World Health Organization, 2016).
Radiation:
Radiation refers to the emission of energy in the form of waves or particles. In medical contexts, it usually refers to ionizing radiation used for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic procedures (Hall & Giaccia, 2019).
Radiation Risk:
Radiation risk is the probability of harmful biological effects occurring as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation, which may include tissue damage or increased likelihood of cancer (International Atomic Energy Agency, 2018).
Patient Awareness:
Patient awareness is the degree to which patients understand the purpose, benefits, and potential risks of medical interventions, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare (European Commission, 2014).
Informed Consent:
Informed consent is the process through which a patient is provided with sufficient information about a medical procedure, including its risks and benefits, allowing them to voluntarily agree to or refuse treatment (World Health Organization, 2016).
…
