The custody of the personal belongings of the patient. An underestimated problem

Objective: The problems related to procedures for custody of the personal belongings of patients is poorly treated in the literature. Yet it is a real problem and unfortunately not uncommon. The aim of this study is to highlight the perception of the problem in two different operational environments of emergency and ambulatory services by radiographers. Materials and methods: In order to investigate the problem, a questionnaire of ten questions was administered from May 2 to July 26, 2013 with a convenience sample of 52 radiographers representing 53,1% of the total number of medical imaging technicians at Perugia Hospital. The results of two independent samples compared the mean scores, standard deviation and, using the non-parametric chi-square test, the probabilistic value for any statistical significance. Results: There are no significant differences in the perception of the presence and problematic nature of the issue by radiology technicians depending on the operational setting, except for the perception expressed by radiology technicians in the emergency area that this type of expertise as currently managed may take time from their main professional activities. They therefore consider the operating instructions more useful than do their colleagues in outpatient services. Conclusions: In high-tech contexts such as the radiology services it becomes important to focus on these “basic aspects” of care. Strategies of staff empowerment and the adoption of the relevant operating instructions may be an effective solution to the problem.