Consumers' familiarity with a medical imaging test is directly correlated with the likelihood they will agree to the test when recommended by a physician, according to a Siemens Healthcare news release.
A study conducted by Braun Research on behalf of Siemens assessed consumers' familiarity with medical imaging tests, defined as having heard of or undergone the test, and its effect on their decision to move forward with the test.
Ninety-six percent of consumers were aware of medical X-rays, and 88 percent would follow a physician's recommendation to take the test in the survey scenario. Conversely, 39 percent of respondents were familiar with nuclear heart scans, and only 28 percent would move forward with the test at a physician's recommendation in the proposed scenario. Furthermore, the top reasons for deciding against a medical imaging test were a lack of familiarity about the test, the desire to know other options and perceptions that the test was unnecessary.
The researchers concluded that information is a key factor in patients' assessment and decisions regarding medical imaging tests.
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A study conducted by Braun Research on behalf of Siemens assessed consumers' familiarity with medical imaging tests, defined as having heard of or undergone the test, and its effect on their decision to move forward with the test.
Ninety-six percent of consumers were aware of medical X-rays, and 88 percent would follow a physician's recommendation to take the test in the survey scenario. Conversely, 39 percent of respondents were familiar with nuclear heart scans, and only 28 percent would move forward with the test at a physician's recommendation in the proposed scenario. Furthermore, the top reasons for deciding against a medical imaging test were a lack of familiarity about the test, the desire to know other options and perceptions that the test was unnecessary.
The researchers concluded that information is a key factor in patients' assessment and decisions regarding medical imaging tests.
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