OSCE revision: Explaining a CT head scan

Introduction

Introduction

• Introduce and identify yourself
• Patient's full name, age, date of birth and preferred name
• Obtain consent to interview

Understanding

• Take a brief history
• Ascertain if the patient knows what a CT scan is and why she needs it

Concerns

• Elicit concerns based on pre-conceived ideas  

Explaining

CT scan

• Clarify what a CT scan is
• "It stands for Computerised Tomography. A CT scan uses X-rays to produces images of the body. The images are produced from data which the scanner acquires and are subsequently turned into cross-sectional images of the body, much like slices in a loaf of bread."

Procedure

• Stop eating and drinking 2 hours before the scan
• Looks like a giant washing machine (or giant doughnut)
• Will be placed inside
• May feel claustrophobic
• Scanning is painless and should take around 10 minutes
• When in the room will be left alone
• Will be able to speak to the operator through an intercom system
• May need IV contrast (harmless dye), so check for allergies

Safety

• Generally safe
• Lowest practical dose of radiation (since it is made up of multiple X-rays)
• Benefits outweigh risk of exposure

Risks

• Not recommended for pregnant women

 

Closing up

Understanding

• Check whether the patient has understood what had been explained

Questions

• Encourage the patient to ask questions and deal with them appropriately
• Ask about concerns

Summary

• Summarise everything

Consent

• Take consent

Respond

• Acknowledge patient's feelings and react positively to them

Adapted from: MasterPass