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Improving the patient experience during musculoskeletal interventional procedures

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Abstract

In the patient-centered practice of musculoskeletal interventional radiology, pre-procedure, intra-procedure, and post-procedure factors impact the patient’s overall experience. Opportunities to improve the patient experience begin before the patient procedure starts, with smooth scheduling of the appointment, a positive office environment, and appropriate communication by the musculoskeletal interventional radiology staff before the procedure, including clear expectations regarding wait times. The initial conversation between the radiologist and the patient, including the informed consent process, is a crucial opportunity for creating rapport with the patient and generating trust in the radiologist. Being able to interpret a patient’s verbal and non-verbal cues during this conversation can reduce anxiety and enhance relaxation. During the procedure, there are interventions which can decrease anxiety and reduce the perception of pain by the patient. These include psychological interventions such as self-induced hypnosis, communication-based interventions such as empathic communication to mold a patient’s interpretation of anxiety and painful stimuli, and the use of ancillary tools such as music or video stimulation. Finally, clear post-procedure expectations regarding post-procedure pain and its management and assurances of access to the musculoskeletal interventional radiology team can facilitate an uncomplicated post-procedure recovery.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street Austen 2 Suite 210, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Jorge Delgado

  2. Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street Yawkey Ctr. 6th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Ambrose J. Huang

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  1. Jorge Delgado
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Both authors (JD and AJH) contributed to (1) conception and design, or acquisition, or analysis and interpretation of data (interpreted as review of literature), (2) drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content, (3) final approval of the version to be published, and (4) agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work if questions arise related to its accuracy or integrity.

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Correspondence to Ambrose J. Huang.

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Delgado, J., Huang, A.J. Improving the patient experience during musculoskeletal interventional procedures. Skeletal Radiol 52, 889–895 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-022-04154-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-022-04154-x

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