"Take Care": The Important Role of the Caregiver as it Applies to the Nuclear Medicine and Radiology Patient

Introduction: -Caregivers tend to individuals with needs or concerns. Patients may present to the nuclear medicine and radiology department with a caregiver to help them during their visit. It is important that the caregiver understand instructions to patients, as these are most important for the performance of nuclear medicine studies. Instructions may include diet, medications, NPO status or bringing previous studies to the department. Language issues may present a barrier during studies. Patients may have certain physical challenges requiring the help of the caregiver. -We assess the most important role of caregivers and their affects on patient care within nuclear medicine and radiology department.

Methods: -Caregivers play a most important and often under appreciated role in the medical field. Their role in patient care is also less emphasized in the field of nuclear medicine and radiology than many other medical specialties as well.

-Their roles may be bringing to nuclear medicine and radiology appointments, following specific patient diets and preparation for specific procedures and after care. Bringing patients to nuclear medicine appointments in especially important due to the decay of prepared isotopes and nursing assignments. They therefore play a very important role.

Results: -The model of patients based care in which the providers of health care collaborate with patients and their families to make the best for each patient. In addition to the role that radiologist can play vitally to adopt more patient oriented strategies and to embrace better patient interaction, the care giver can provide a great role for radiology patient.

-The role of care givers could include supporting patients, asking questions and taking notes and helping patient making important decisions. They can also assist in identifying the needs and preferences of patients. Connecting the practice with the emotional and social needs of patients should also be improved by considering the role of care givers which definitely reduce the commoditization threat.

Conclusions: -The role of care giver in the radiology practice is highly vital in enhancing a more patient centered and focused care. Caregivers may experience chronic stress and their roles are highly important in the nuclear medicine and radiology workplace.

-We discuss the highly important role of the caregiver in nuclear medicine and radiology and what it means to the daily practice and efficiency within an active complex department.