Emergency department patient knowledge and physician communication regarding CT scans.

Objectives: This study evaluated several aspects of patients' and providers' knowledge and attitude regarding emergency CT scan use. Specifically, is patient awareness of radiation risks changing over time and do levels of education affect this knowledge? Meanwhile, do emergency medicine providers discuss risks with patients and do patients want to know about these risks?

Methods: We conducted a survey of clinically stable patients in the emergency department (ED) after undergoing a CT scan.

Results: 200 patients were surveyed.