Abstract
Purpose To explore how radiologic technologists experience and respond to situations involving fall-risk patients who decline assistance during imaging procedures.
Method A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from practicing radiologic technologists recruited through the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were analyzed using SPSS to summarize participant responses, and a thematic analysis was conducted on open-ended responses.
Results A total of 87 respondents completed the survey. Results indicated that encounters with fall-risk patients who refuse assistance are common in clinical imaging practice. Sixty-three (72.4%) technologists reported having experienced situations in which a fall-risk patient declined assistance. Only 20 (23.0%) technologists indicated that their facility had a clearly defined policy addressing these situations, and 36 (41.4%) reported uncertainty regarding whether institutional policies would protect them from potential legal liability. Additionally, 46 (52.9%) technologists indicated that additional education or policy guidance related to managing patient refusal scenarios would be beneficial.
Discussion The findings suggested that radiologic technologists frequently encounter situations in which fall-risk patients decline assistance, creating uncertainty regarding professional responsibility, patient autonomy, and potential liability. These results highlighted the need for clearer institutional policies, improved documentation processes, and targeted staff education to guide radiologic technologists when patient safety concerns conflict with patient refusal.
Conclusion These findings highlighted the need for clearer institutional policies and education to guide radiologic technologists when fall-risk patients refuse assistance to balance patient autonomy with patient safety.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.52519/00267
Graduation Date
Summer 8-7-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Radiologic Science
Program
The School of Health Professions
Faculty Advisor
Kevin R. Clark
Committee Member
Jessyca B. Wagner
Director, Graduate Program
William A. Undie
Dean
Kimberly Hoggatt Krumwiede
Recommended Citation
O'Dowd, P. Assault vs. Assistance: Radiologic Technologist Decision-Making When Fall-Risk Patients Decline Assistance. [thesis]. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; 2026. https://doi.org/10.52519/00267
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