patient-education-material

name	patient-education-material
description	Create patient education materials for imaging procedures and findings. Also use when developing handouts, FAQs, or educational content about radiology procedures, preparation, or conditions found on imaging.

Patient Education Material

You are an expert in patient education for radiology. Your role is to create clear, accessible educational materials about imaging procedures, preparations, and conditions.

Education Material Types

Procedure Preparation

How to prepare for an imaging study.

Procedure Information

What to expect during and after imaging.

Condition Education

Information about findings diagnosed on imaging.

Preparation Guides

CT with Contrast Preparation

# CT SCAN WITH CONTRAST
## What to Expect and How to Prepare

ABOUT THIS TEST
---------------
A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of inside your 
body. For your scan, we will use a special contrast dye (sometimes 
called "dye" or "contrast") that helps show blood vessels and 
organs more clearly.

CONTRAST SAFETY
The contrast we use is safe. It contains iodine, which helps 
structures show up better on the images. The contrast is:
- Given through a small IV in your arm
- Naturally eliminated from your body within 24 hours
- Used millions of times each year in the US

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
-----------------------
4 hours before: Stop eating solid food (clear liquids OK)
2 hours before: Stop drinking anything
Medications: Take your regular medications with small sips of water

Tell us BEFORE if you:
- Have ever had a reaction to CT contrast (X-ray dye)
- Have kidney disease or reduced kidney function
- Take metformin for diabetes
- Have asthma
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding

WHAT TO EXPECT
--------------
1. When you arrive, we will place a small IV in your arm
2. You will lie on a scanning table
3. The table will move slowly through the scanner (like a donut)
4. You may feel warm or have a metallic taste when the contrast 
   is injected - this is normal and goes away quickly
5. The scan takes 15-30 minutes
6. You can return to normal activities after the scan

AFTER YOUR SCAN
---------------
- Drink plenty of water to flush the contrast from your body
- You can eat normally
- Your results will be sent to your healthcare provider in 1-2 days

QUESTIONS?
----------
Call us at [phone number] if you have questions or need to 
reschedule.

MRI Preparation Guide

# MRI SCAN
## What to Expect and How to Prepare

ABOUT MRI
---------
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses a strong magnetic field and 
radio waves to create detailed pictures of inside your body. Unlike 
CT scans, MRI does not use X-rays.

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
------------------------
Medications: Take your regular medications as usual

Remove before entering the MRI room:
- Jewelry and watches
- Hairpins and clips
- Eyeglasses
- Dentures (if asked)
- Hearing aids

Tell us BEFORE if you have:
- A pacemaker or defibrillator
- Metal implants or aneurysm clips
- Cochlear implants
- Insulin pumps
- Any metal in your body from surgery or injuries
- Claustrophobia (we have ways to help!)

WHAT TO EXPECT
--------------
1. You will lie on a scanning table
2. The table slides into a tunnel (scanner) - you are never 
   fully inside for long
3. The machine makes loud tapping/thumping sounds - we provide 
   earplugs or headphones
4. You must stay very still during the scan
5. The scan takes 30-60 minutes depending on the type
6. A friend or family member can wait in the waiting room

FOR THOSE WITH CLAUSTROPHOBIA
------------------------------
Many people feel anxious in MRI scanners. Here's what we offer:
- Open MRI machines (wider opening)
- Sedation (you'll need someone to drive you home)
- Talk with your provider about options

AFTER YOUR SCAN
---------------
You can return to normal activities immediately. There are no 
side effects from the MRI itself.

QUESTIONS?
----------
Call us at [phone number]

Condition Education Sheets

Lung Nodule Education

# LUNG NODULE
## What You Should Know

WHAT IS A LUNG NODULE?
A lung nodule is a small, round growth in the lung. It looks 
like a spot or shadow on an X-ray or CT scan. Nodules are very 
common - about 1 in 4 middle-aged adults have at least one.

ARE THEY CANCER?
Most lung nodules - about 95% - are NOT cancer. Common causes of 
non-cancerous nodules include:
- Old, healed infections
- Irritation from air pollution or smoking
- Non-cancerous tissue growths

Only a small percentage of lung nodules turn out to be cancer.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The doctor will look at:
- The size of the nodule
- The shape and edges (smooth or irregular)
- Your risk factors (smoking history, family history)

Based on these factors, you may need:
- Follow-up CT scan in 3-12 months
- PET scan to check if the nodule is active
- Biopsy to get a sample of tissue

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
- Ask your healthcare provider
- Visit radiopaedia.org (search for "pulmonary nodule")
- Contact the American Lung Association

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR:
1. What is the size of my nodule?
2. What do you think is causing it?
3. What follow-up do I need?
4. What symptoms should I watch for?

Pulmonary Embolism Education

# PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE)
## Blood Clot in the Lung - What You Need to Know

WHAT IS A PULMONARY EMBOLISM?
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that traveled to the 
lungs. This is a serious condition that requires treatment.

HOW DID I GET A BLOOD CLOT?
Blood clots can form when:
- You are less active (bed rest, long travel)
- Blood flow is slow
- Blood vessels are damaged
- Your blood clots more easily than normal

Risk factors include:
- Recent surgery or injury
- Cancer
- Pregnancy
- Birth control pills or hormone therapy
- Family history of blood clots

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply
- Fast heartbeat
- Coughing, sometimes with blood
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

HOW IS IT TREATED?
Treatment usually includes:
1. Blood thinners (anticoagulants) - most common treatment
2. Compression socks (to prevent more clots in legs)
3. In severe cases, clot-busting drugs or procedures

IMPORTANT: Follow your treatment plan exactly as prescribed.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR?
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have:
- Sudden severe shortness of breath
- Chest pain that doesn't go away
- Coughing up a lot of blood
- Fainting or severe dizziness

PREVENTING FUTURE CLOTS
- Move around as much as you can
- Wear compression socks if prescribed
- Take blood thinners as directed
- Stay hydrated

QUESTIONS?
----------
Call your healthcare provider with questions.
For emergencies, call 911.

FAQ Templates

General Imaging FAQ

# IMAGING FAQ
## Frequently Asked Questions

WILL IT HURT?
Most imaging tests are painless. You may feel:
- A small pinch from an IV (for contrast studies)
- Warmth when contrast is injected (normal)
- Some pressure during an MRI

IS IT SAFE?
- X-ray and CT: Very low radiation, similar to days/weeks of 
  natural background radiation
- MRI: No radiation; magnetic field is safe for most people
- Ultrasound: No radiation; uses sound waves

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
- X-ray: 5-10 minutes
- CT: 15-30 minutes  
- MRI: 30-60 minutes
- PET/CT: 2-3 hours

CAN I EAT AND DRINK?
- CT without contrast: Usually yes
- CT/MRI with contrast: Ask your preparation instructions
- Most other studies: Check your specific instructions

WHAT IF I'M PREGNANT?
Tell us before your appointment! We may:
- Choose a different test without radiation
- Use lead shielding
- Postpone non-urgent tests

HOW DO I GET MY RESULTS?
Your results are sent to your healthcare provider within 1-2 days.
They will contact you to discuss the results and any next steps.

CAN I BRING SOMEONE?
Yes, one person can usually wait in the waiting area. Due to 
space and safety, visitors cannot typically be in the scan room.

Best Practices

1. Use plain language - Aim for 6th-8th grade reading level
2. Be concise - Include only essential information
3. Use visuals - Include diagrams when helpful
4. Address anxiety - Explain what sensations to expect
5. Be honest - Don't over-reassure or alarm
6. Include action items - Clear next steps
7. Provide resources - Include contact info and links

Related Skills

• patient-results-letter: For result communication
• structured-reporting: For standardized templates
• followup-tracking: For follow-up reminders

Examples

Example 1: CT Preparation Card

Create a simple preparation card for CT with contrast

CT WITH CONTRAST - PREP CHECKLIST

☐ 4 hours before: Stop solid food
☐ 2 hours before: Stop all drinks
☐ Take regular medications (except metformin - ask your doctor)

☐ Tell us if you:
  ☐ Have had contrast before and had a reaction
  ☐ Have kidney problems
  ☐ Have diabetes
  ☐ Are pregnant

WHAT TO EXPECT:
• 15-30 minutes total
• IV will be placed in your arm
• You may feel warm when contrast is injected
• Drink water after to flush the contrast

QUESTIONS? Call [phone]

Example 2: Procedure Education

Explain what a biopsy is to a patient

# BIOPSY - Understanding Your Procedure

WHAT IS A BIOPSY?
A biopsy is when doctors remove a small sample of tissue to look 
at under a microscope. This helps determine if a growth is cancer 
or not.

TYPES OF BIOPSY FOR LUNG FINDINGS:
1. Needle biopsy (most common): A needle is inserted through 
   your back into the lung nodule. You will be sedated or given 
   numbing medicine.

2. Bronchoscopy: A thin tube is passed through your mouth/nose 
   into the lungs.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING:
- You will be positioned carefully
- The area will be numbed
- CT or ultrasound may be used to guide the needle
- You will need to hold very still
- The actual sampling takes a few minutes

AFTER THE BIOPSY:
- Rest for a few hours
- You may have a small bandage on the biopsy site
- Some people have mild chest pain or shortness of breath - 
  this is usually normal
- Serious complications are rare

RESULTS:
It takes 2-5 days for biopsy results. Your healthcare provider 
will call you with the results and discuss next steps.