1.Assessment of knowledge and perceptions of medical radiation among caregivers and adolescent patients in the paediatric emergency department.
Su Yah CHEW ; Ivy Wei Ling ANG ; Desiree Xin Ying LIM ; Madeleine Qiao Si TAN ; Zi Ying WEE
Singapore medical journal 2021;62(11):582-587
INTRODUCTION:
This study aimed to assess understanding of the potential risks associated with medical imaging among caregivers and adolescent patients in a paediatric emergency department (PED) in Singapore.
METHODS:
A prospective convenience sample survey was performed involving adolescents and caregivers presenting to our PED from December 2015 to May 2016. The questionnaire examined demographic data, knowledge of imaging procedures and radiation risks, and expectations regarding information provided about medical radiation.
RESULTS:
A total of 349 questionnaires were returned (caregivers 82.5%, adolescents 17.5%). A mean of 6.2 ± 2.4 (out of 11) questions were correctly answered. Those who had tertiary education fared better than those who did not (36.4% vs. 17.2% scoring above the mean, p = 0.001). Age, gender, history of previous imaging and imaging performed during the visit did not affect the score. Two-thirds of the participants did not associate medical radiation with any negative lifetime risk of cancers or know that different scans entailed differing amounts of radiation. Most were unaware that the radiation dose in medical imaging is adjusted to a child's size. Among patients who underwent imaging, 90.1% received explanations on the need for scans, and 26.5% were informed of the risks involved. Almost all participants wished to be informed of imaging indications and risks. More preferred to learn this from physicians (75.6%) or technicians (51.6%) rather than through educational pamphlets (34.4%) or Internet resources (22.9%).
CONCLUSION
Awareness regarding medical radiation needs to be improved in our patient population. A mismatch exists between caregiver expectations and the actual procedure of disclosure of the risk associated with radiation.
2.Singapore Paediatric Resuscitation Guidelines 2016.
Gene Yong Kwang ONG ; Irene Lai Yeen CHAN ; Agnes Suah Bwee NG ; Su Yah CHEW ; Yee Hui MOK ; Yoke Hwee CHAN ; Jacqueline Soo May ONG ; Sashikumar GANAPATHY ; Kee Chong NG ; null ; null
Singapore medical journal 2017;58(7):373-390
We present the revised 2016 Singapore paediatric resuscitation guidelines. The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation's Pediatric Taskforce Consensus Statements on Science and Treatment Recommendations, as well as the updated resuscitation guidelines from the American Heart Association and European Resuscitation Council released in October 2015, were debated and discussed by the workgroup. The final recommendations for the Singapore Paediatric Resuscitation Guidelines 2016 were derived after carefully reviewing the current available evidence in the literature and balancing it with local clinical practice.