ESR Patient Advisory Group publishes illustrated posters to help prepare patients for imaging examinations

Vienna, Austria – July 15, 2024 – The European Society of Radiology (ESR), is pleased to announce the publication of a series of innovative patient posters designed to convey essential information needed before, during, and after various imaging procedures. The project, ‘Image for Imaging’ was led by the society’s Patient Advisory Group (PAG), made up of patients, medical imaging professionals and healthcare stakeholders. It aims to improve the quality and accessibility of information that patients receive in advance of radiological examinations by offering easily digestible, exclusively visual information to help ready them for their imaging procedure.

Well-informed patients are typically better prepared, which can significantly reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm before and during their procedures. This enhanced preparedness contributes to a smoother workflow for radiologists and a more positive overall experience for patients.

However, in many countries, patients often receive no information before their appointments or are provided with complicated written instructions that can be overwhelming and difficult to understand. The use of visual information means that posters can be shared, used and understood universally, offering critical information that is accessible to everyone regardless of language or reading proficiency.

A total of seven posters have been produced, each dedicated to a different imaging modality, ensuring comprehensive coverage and accessibility for patients preparing for a radiological examination.

“The value of this project lies in its simplicity”, states Caroline Justich, Chair of the ESR Patient Advisory Group. “By not using written words, there is no language barrier and no need to read long information texts. This way, all patients can be reached and in one glance they have the full picture. The three colouring shades displayed in each poster help to distinguish all you need to know regarding the ‘before, during and after’ stages of an examination. Offering information on what to bring along, how to prepare upfront, how the procedure is performed, what the machine looks like and what to expect afterwards, can significantly help increase a patient’s confidence, reduce their anxiety and better prepare them, ultimately leading to a smoother workflow for radiology departments.”

The ESR recommends medical professionals to download the ‘Image for Imaging’ posters and distribute them to patients digitally in advance of their imaging procedures. Additionally, the posters can be printed and displayed in imaging department waiting rooms to serve as an immediate visual aid.

The ESR encourages Radiology departments to send us photos of the posters being used in their departments or share them on social media.
 
All seven posters can be accessed in various resolutions for free here.