Communicating radiation risks in paediatric imaging: Information to support healthcare discussions about benefit and risk

Overview

Patients and families need to have access to risk-benefit discussions about health care interventions when, where, and in the way they need to best understand and use the information. This dialogue with patients and families is particular relevant in the field of paediatric imaging. Accurate and effective radiation risk communication is also necessary between health care providers who request or perform radiological medical procedures in children. By enabling informed decision-making, effective radiation risk communication contributes to ensure the greatest possible benefit , at the lowest possible risk.

The document “Communicating radiation risks in paediatric imaging- Information to support health care discussions about benefit and risk” is intended to serve as a tool for health care providers to communicate known or potential radiation risks associated with paediatric imaging procedures, to support risk-benefit dialogue in health care settings.