For Radiologic Technologists ·
What you'll accomplish
Handling a claustrophobic patient, a worried parent, or a non-English speaker mid-shift requires words you can reach for quickly. This guide builds you a library of customized patient communication scripts, covering MRI anxiety, contrast concerns, radiation questions, pediatric exams, and more, saved and ready to use on the floor.
What you'll need
Open ChatGPT and start with this context-setting message:
I'm a radiologic technologist. I need help creating a library of patient communication scripts for challenging scenarios. All scripts should be: warm, calm, and non-clinical in language; appropriate for a patient with no medical background; under 100 words each; something I can say verbally or hand to a patient as a written card. Ready to start?
Ask:
Write a verbal script for calming a mildly claustrophobic patient before and during an MRI. Include: (1) a reassuring opening before they get in the bore, (2) a brief instruction as they slide in, (3) a breathing technique they can use if they feel anxious, and (4) a "check-in" phrase I can use midway through the scan to help them hold on.
Save the output to your notes app under "MRI Claustrophobia."
Ask:
Write a 4-sentence verbal response for when a patient asks "How much radiation am I getting?" for a [chest X-ray / CT abdomen]. Compare the dose to an everyday experience they'll recognize. Be reassuring but honest, and don't dismiss their concern.
Generate separate versions for X-ray and CT, since they're very different dose levels and warrant different answers.
Ask:
Write a verbal script for when a patient says they're nervous about getting IV contrast for a CT scan. Address: what contrast does and feels like, common side effects vs. serious reactions, and what we do if they have a reaction. Keep it under 80 words and avoid the word "risk."
For your most frequent non-English-speaking patients, ask:
Translate this MRI safety screening explanation into Spanish [or Mandarin, or Vietnamese]: [paste your English MRI safety script]. Keep the same tone, calm and friendly.
Important: Have a fluent colleague review AI translations before using them with real patients. AI translations are generally accurate but should be verified for clinical communication.
Organize all your scripts in a single notes app document or print them as laminated cards:
Keep the digital version on your phone and a printed set at your workstation.
Pediatric scripts by age:
Write a procedure explanation for a [4-year-old / 8-year-old / 12-year-old] about to have a [chest X-ray / CT scan]. Include something to make it feel less scary.
Difficult patient pushback:
A patient is refusing to remove their jewelry for an MRI and says "I've had MRIs before with it on." Write a calm response that acknowledges their experience but explains why we still need to follow protocol.
Post-exam instructions:
Write verbal post-exam instructions for a patient who just had CT with IV contrast. Include hydration advice, when to call us, and what normal sensations to expect. Plain language, under 60 words.
Confused elderly patient:
Write a simple, patient explanation of what a chest X-ray is for an elderly patient who seems confused about why they're getting one. Very short: 3 sentences. Large font friendly language.