Helping patients feel more at ease before their scan
This specialised scan helps us look at blood flow to the muscles of the heart and identify areas that may not be getting enough oxygen. It’s an important test for people with heart conditions, but we know the procedure can seem unfamiliar and daunting.
As part of our quality improvement work, we wanted to do something simple but meaningful to make the experience less intimidating. That’s how the idea for our patient information video came about.
We wanted to show, in a clear and friendly way, what actually happens during a scan — from finding the department to what the machine looks like, how long it takes, and what patients can expect at every step.
We created the video entirely ourselves. Using just an iPhone, our team filmed and edited it after work, drawing on our day-to-day experience supporting patients.
Everyone volunteered their time and ideas to make sure it felt genuine and easy to follow. Even with limited resources, we were determined to produce something that could really make a difference.
Our aim is to help patients feel more confident and informed before they arrive. By understanding what to expect, they’re less likely to feel anxious — and more likely to follow preparation instructions and attend their appointments.
So far, our colleagues have given us brilliant feedback, calling it clear, professional and friendly. We hope patients will feel the same once it’s shared more widely.
We also plan to add translations and a feedback form so we can keep improving.