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Congress: ECR25
Poster Number: C-16012
Type: Poster: EPOS Radiographer (scientific)
DOI: 10.26044/ecr2025/C-16012
Authorblock: T. Granbo, R. J. Reidunsdatter, T. T. Eik-Nes; Trondheim/NO
Disclosures:
Tuva Granbo: Nothing to disclose
Randi Johansen Reidunsdatter: Nothing to disclose
Trine Tetlie Eik-Nes: Nothing to disclose
Keywords: Professional issues, Radiographers, MR, Ethics, Health policy and practice, Education and training, Outcomes, Patterns of Care, Sustainability
Purpose To explore the lived experiences of individuals with obesity during MRI examinations, with the goal of improving the quality of care provided to larger sized individuals in diagnostic imaging. Obesity is described as a global epidemic, and radiographers interact with patients with obesity on a regular basis (1-4). Patients with obesity may present challenges to MRI machines due to body size and weight, and may also face bias and stigmatization from radiographers (2, 3, 5, 6). Individuals with obesity consistently report experiencing weight...
Read more Methods and materials Qualitative interview study that included eight individuals with obesity. Inclusion criteria: Participants must be 18 years or older, able to communicate in Norwegian, and have undergone an MRI within last three years. They should consider themselves as overweight or having obesity and be interested in discussing their experiences related to their most recent MRI. Semi-structured interviews were used to investigate all aspect of the MRI examination, emphasizing communication with the staff and experiences during the MRI scan. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim...
Read more Results Six main themes emerged (figure 1): (1) Taking up space, (2) To endure, (3) Dealing with discomfort, (4) Panic in the tunnel, (5) A package on an assembly line and (6) Revisiting traumatic experiences. [fig 1] . Taking up space: Participants described sadness and embarrassment about their body size. Humour was used to cope with these feelings. They were aware that their body size might cause difficulties during the MRI, which added to their emotional stress. The anticipation of being in a confined...
Read more Conclusion This study sought to explore how individuals with obesity experienced MRI examinations and showed how weight stigma in MRI settings remains a significant barrier to equitable healthcare for individuals with obesity. Structural discrimination, inadequate equipment and stigmatizing behaviors contributed to feelings of exclusion, shame and discomfort. Despite challenges, participants developed strategies to endure their examinations. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial to improving the experiences and outcomes of individuals of obesity in medical imaging and broader healthcare settings. Take home message: Clear communication with...
Read more References World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight 2021, June 9 [Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight. Aweidah LR, J; Cumming, S; Lewis, S. Australian diagnostic radiographers' attitudes and perceptions of imaging obese patients: A study of self, peers and students. Radiography. 2016;22(4):e258-e63. Ginde AA, Foianini A, Renner DM, Valley M, Camargo CA, Jr. The challenge of CT and MRI imaging of obese individuals who present to the emergency department: a national survey. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2008;16(11):2549-51. Nabasenja C, Barry K, Nelson T, Chandler A, Hewis J. Imaging...
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