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Patient knowledge and perception of computed tomography scan in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms
Author(s) -
Daramola Opeyemi O.,
Lidder Alcina K.,
Ramli Ramiza,
Chandra Rakesh K.,
ShintaniSmith Stephanie,
Conley David B.,
Kern Robert C.,
Tan Bruce K.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.24992
Subject(s) - medicine , rhinology , chronic rhinosinusitis , computed tomography , demographics , sinus (botany) , radiology , prospective cohort study , medical imaging , surgery , otorhinolaryngology , sociology , botany , demography , biology , genus
Objectives/Hypothesis The objective of this study was to report patients' knowledge and comfort level with computed tomography (CT) imaging for sinus disease and evaluate patient willingness to undergo empiric medical therapy (EMT) versus CT‐directed therapy (CTDT). Study Design Prospective survey study. Methods A 22‐item survey was administered to patients with nasal/sinus symptoms in a tertiary care rhinology clinic. Questions elicited patient demographics, imaging history, and knowledge/comfort regarding imaging‐related radiation exposure. Patients were presented with the theoretical choice of EMT versus CTDT, given the expected positive predictive value, in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) management. Results Two hundred patients (52% female, age range 18–83 years) participated. Of these, 85% had symptoms for over 3 months. Only 91 patients (45.5%) were aware that CT imaging involved radiation exposure. Prior CT experience and past sinus surgery ( P < .05), but not sex or education level, were associated with increased comfort with CT imaging. Most patients (78%) preferred CTDT over EMT. If a CT sinus was recommended, 77 patients (38.5%) had concerns, of which 26% identified radiation exposure as the leading concern. The majority (70%) were unsure about the relative radiation dose of a conventional CT. Conclusions Patients with CRS symptoms prefer CTDT over EMT if a diagnosis cannot be established definitively using exam findings. Although most patients deferred to the physician regarding the decision to utilize CT imaging, there is low awareness of CT‐related radiation exposure, and a significant minority of patients have radiation‐related concerns with regard to medical imaging for nasal and sinus symptoms. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope , 125:791–795, 2015