Parents’ perceptions of the impact of information at a VCUG of their child: an example of person-centered care in radiography

“The VCUG is associated with a high level of distress for both the child and the parents.”

“According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and the Swedish Patient Act, the best interest of the child must be considered.”

“Regarding VCUG, it has been reported that a parent who is more distressed affects the stress level of the child negatively. Hence, it is important that parents receive adequate information so that they can prepare themselves and thus focus on their child’s best interest during the examination.”

“According to the standard of care (Sweden), before the VCUG examination, an appointment letter about the examination, including a reference to a website, was sent to the parents of the child who was scheduled for the examination. The letter briefly described the examination procedure, and the website provided detailed information…. Parents were requested to telephone the radiology department before the VCUG examination date after receiving the appointment letter. During the phone call, the procedure information was repeated with an opportunity to ask questions. The information was also reviewed verbally by a radiology nurse in the waiting room, and the parent was encouraged to ask any questions for further clarification.”

“Receiving written and then verbal information over the phone before arriving at the department helped parents to understand what would be happening and was perceived as significant. By reading educational materials and being given the opportunity to ask questions, the parents could better prepare the child and themselves psychologically, emotionally, and physically for the upcoming examination.”

Direct quote from parent: “I got to talk to a nurse, who describing a little how, what would be required of me as a parent, and it was rather nice because then I could mentally prepare myself that this was going to be difficult.”