Observations of radiographer communication: An exploratory study using Transactional Analysis

PurposeCommunication in medical imaging is a neglected area of research, despite the necessity for good communication if optimum diagnostic images are to be achieved.MethodsThe present study has investigated the styles of communication used in medical imaging, using an approach known as Transactional Analysis. This approach has been demonstrated previously as having reliability and validity, using observations and supporting interviews with medical imaging staff, along with inter-rater observations of radiographer–patient interactions.ResultsThe results indicate that Transactional Analysis can be used effectively for identifying and naming interaction events in diagnostic radiography, with diagnostic radiographers using five styles of communication.ConclusionRadiographers tend to use Parental styles of communicating; these styles are commonly associated with a practitioner-centred approach to dealing with patients which often result in non-adherence.