Eliciting Patient Cooperation in Paediatric Radiography with Inducement Devices

Abstract

Purpose: Obtaining good quality images whilst minimizing repeat examinations and radiation
dosage in paediatric radiography requires patient co-operation. This study aims to assess the
usability of inducement devices to gain child cooperation during paediatric radiography in
Lagos, Nigeria.
Method: A cross-sectional study design was employed to sample information on the use of child
inducement devices by Radiographer and Radiologist during paediatric radiography. A 19-item
close ended questionnaire was administered to 70 Radiology personnel consisting of 45
Radiographers and 25 Radiologists. Questions were fashioned in a way to gain insight on best
practices to gain the child patient cooperation. Some questions relating to demographics,
experience and employment were included. Following collation descriptive statistics were
developed.
Results: Results showed that paediatric examinations were frequently carried out in the study
area (75%). About 87% of respondents were of the opinion that the use of inducement devices
aided in the production of better quality images. Light-up (72%) and Musical (27%) toys
constituted the most effective inducement devices, and were considered the most valuable
(86.9%) toys by Radiology personnel.
Conclusion: The results show that the use of inducement devices elicits child cooperation and
improves the ease of paediatric examinations.