Navigating Radiation Protection and Patient Consent: Cross-Cultural Communication Competencies among Radiologic Technology Interns in a Multi-Ethnic Clinical Setting
Ahmeda Ali, Alinair Carim and Mark Alipio
Received: 02 June 2026; Revised: 01 August 2026; Accepted: 15 August 2026; Published: 27 August 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.66074/T7X5V8N1
Abstract
Background: Radiologic technology interns must explain imaging procedures, radiation protection, and patient choices while working within brief clinical encounters. In culturally and linguistically diverse settings, these responsibilities require more than technical accuracy because risk language, family roles, health literacy, and expectations about professional authority may shape how patients understand and accept an examination. Objective: This study explored how fourth-year radiologic technology interns communicate radiation protection information and navigate patient consent across culturally diverse clinical encounters, and identified competencies that support safe, respectful practice. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Ten fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology interns from Iligan Medical Center College participated in individual semi-structured interviews from February to March 2026. Interviews lasted 44 to 68 minutes, were transcribed verbatim, translated into English when needed, and analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Six themes were developed across three research aims: making radiation understandable without minimizing it; communicating safety through visible actions; treating consent as verified understanding and voluntary agreement; managing family involvement without displacing patient autonomy; adapting language as a clinical competency; and recognizing when to pause, clarify, or seek supervision. Interns described code-switching, plain-language explanations, teach-back, demonstrations, respectful family inclusion, and timely escalation as central strategies. Conclusion: Cross-cultural communication in radiography emerged as a patient-safety competency that links radiation protection, informed consent, and person-centered care. Clinical education should provide repeated practice in risk explanation, culturally responsive consent conversations, interpreter use, and supervised reflection before graduation.
Keywords: clinical education, cultural safety, health literacy, medical imaging, person-centered care
Author Information: Iligan Medical Center College, Philippines; mark.alipio@imcc.edu.ph
Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2026