Frederick Joseph Murphy PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

This UK based study aimed to discover the nature of the social interactions that occur between the technologist, the patient and high technology imaging equipment. The investigation focussed upon radiology departments where patients had just had either a CT or MR scan. The study was a purely inductive qualitative investigation, that sought to explore feelings, meanings and roles within the context of the imaging department.

49 patients were interviewed using a semi-structured format,immediately after their scan in order to conceptualise the imaging experience.In addition, technologists were interviewed about their experiences' as patients having scans. Finally, in order to triangulate the data, radiographers working in CT and MR units were interviewed about their perceptions of the role they played.The data were scrutinised by a thematic analysis. Then the interviews were analysed by using two micro-sociological perspectives of Symbolic Interactionism and Dramaturgy. This was a unique approach in the study of interactions in radiology.

The thematic analysis revealed a varying degree of patient satisfaction, fear and misunderstanding. From a Symbolic interactionists perspective the data demonstrated the meaning the technology had for patients, what it represented in terms of fears or hopes, and gave it social significance. Dramaturgical analysis reflected the sociological theory of Ervin Goffman and identified front-stage and back-stage behaviour. Technologists classified themselves as 'non-persons' and struggled with their own identity. Technologists also saw themselves as the choreographer; changing the costume (gown)of the actor (patient) for the performance (scan), with some degree of rehearsal, and then finally congratulate the actor on a good performance. Issues of status, reality, power and technology are revealed.

As medical imaging continues to evolve, technologists must be aware of the social phenomena , as well as scientific facts that surround radiological procedures. It is only by appreciating these, and identifying with roles and experiences that the profession can hope to bridge the 'gap' that is the humanistic-technological dichotomy.

Murphy, F, Understanding the Humanistic Interaction with Medical Imaging Technology.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4405994.html