Emergency department patient knowledge, opinions, and risk tolerance regarding computed tomography scan radiation.

Background: Computed tomography (CT) scanning use for emergency department (ED) patients has increased exponentially since its inception.

Study Objectives: This study aimed to determine what patients view as the risk of radiation from CT scans, their risk tolerance and preference for alternative testing, and their opinions about informed consent and malpractice regarding CT scans.

Methods: A 25-question survey was administered to a random convenience sample of ED patients aged ≥ 18 years by trained research associates.