[Risks and responsibilities in diagnostic and interventional radiology. Ethical and medicolegal considerations]

Considerations when communicating with awake patients undergoing image-guided neuro-interventions

The authors empirically evaluated the context of intra-procedural physician-patient communication during imaging-guided procedures in a radiology/neuroradiology interventional clinical framework. Different intra-procedural communicative scenarios are reported.They conclude that the quality of intra-procedural physician-patient communication should be considered an important element of individual and team ethical and professional behaviour, able to strongly influence the therapeutic alliance. As for the whole medical communication strategy, an approach which takes into account the psychological and cultural background of the individual patient is preferred.

Aspects médico-légaux des gestes interventionnels en radiologie ostéo-articulaire

The daily practice of radiologists has evolved and radiologists are increasingly being directly involved with patient care and treatment. Consequently, radiologists have become a part of the therapeutic team available to patients. This active role, in hospital based or out-patient practices, does not only have an impact on the radiologist's professional activities. New liabilities related to interventional procedures or treatments are now added to already existing professional liability from diagnostic activities. Therefore, musculoskeletal radiologists performing interventional procedures must be aware and familiar with their obligations towards patients, including the requirement to provide adequate information to patients and documenting that informed consent was obtained.