Safety of the elderly patient in cardiac Computerized Tomography: a descriptive study

Abstract

Introduction: The elderly population presents a high incidence of coronary artery disease. This dissertation places an emphasis on care for the elderly who undergoes high diagnostic accuracy imaging exams, involving the administration of radiopharmaceutical treatment. Aim: To analyze the actions of health professionals in terms of the safety of elderly patients receiving intravenous iodinated contrast media in the realization of cardiac Computerized Tomography. Method: This is a descriptive study in which a qualitative approach was used. It was performed in the Centers for Diagnostic Imaging in two hospitals in Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil. Twenty six health professionals were involved in a semi-structured interview, and these statements were submitted to Bardin’s content analysis method. Results: teams predominantly employ female staff whose training time has been between one and ten years. The teams are composed of young adults and middle aged staff with five years’ experience or more in this sector. Five categories have emerged from the thematic analysis of the interviews. Conclusion: the teams engage in safe actions. However, their performance must be improved.