Mr Jonathan Portelli – Assistant Lecturer
Medical Imaging of paediatric patients: a study
consenting procedures of higher dose examinations in Malta
of
radiation
risks
and
Despite the great benefits pertaining to the early diagnosis and treatment of various
conditions, the increased use of higher radiation dose examinations in children has also raised
many concerns about the associated cancer risks that may be involved. This matter is not
aided by the fact that research evidence is suggesting that health professionals generally
underestimate or lack knowledge of radiation doses and risks associated with medical
imaging examinations they request and/or perform. This is of concern, particularly since
prescribers and practitioners are bound by National and European regulations to ‘justify’
every single medical exposure, meaning that they should weigh the benefits and risks of the
examination in order to decide as to whether performing the examination would be in the best
interest of the patient. Consequently, prescribers and practitioners should also provide the
patient with an explanation of the benefits and risks associated with any medical exposure
while obtaining consent to perform such an examination, but research evidence suggests that
this does not always happen in practice as health professionals do not always convey riskrelated information or they prefer to be ‘economical with the truth' in order not to cause the
patient undue anxiety.
This proposed research study will adopt a mixed methodology research approach to provide a
foundation for a body of knowledge to be built with regards to the estimated radiation doses
and associated risks in children undergoing higher dose medical imaging examinations in
Malta. This study will seek to assess the level of awareness amongst local health
professionals with regards to radiation doses and associated risks of higher dose medical
imaging examinations performed on paediatrics locally. In addition, the study will seek to
obtain a comprehensive understanding of practices, procedures and experiences of risk
communication and consent, which can serve as a resource to recommend a practical and
patient-centred framework for consenting procedures related to paediatric patients
undergoing higher radiation dose procedures.
This research is being held as part of Mr Portelli’s Ph.D. studies at University College Dublin
(UCD) under the supervision of: Dr. Louise Rainford (UCD), Mr Jonathan McNulty (UCD)
and Dr. Paul Bezzina (UoM).