Patients', radiographers' and radiography students’ experiences of 360° virtual counselling environment for the coronary computed tomography angiography: A qualitative study

Introduction The aim of this study was to describe patients', radiographers' and radiography students’ experiences the developed 360° virtual counselling environment (360°VCE) for coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA). Methods A descriptive qualitative approach used. participants were cCTA patients (n = 10), radiographers 10) students who used 360°VCE visited or worked at a university hospital in Finland. 360°VCE, resembling authentic environments CT imaging unit, included digital materials text, image, animation video formats. Data gathered through thematic interviews individually obtain an understanding participants’ perspectives analyzed by inductive content analysis. Results Five main categories 15 identified. Identified benefits improvements knowledge, spatial environmental orientation, senses security self-efficacy, with reductions fear nervousness. Patients found engaging, that technology conveniently provided reassuring familiarity before their visit. patients' mental preparedness, patients’ fear, which eased procedures enhanced diagnostic success. also useful information familiarization unit during clinical practice staff referring units. Conclusion It seems students' respond needs improved knowledge reduced fears. Thus, current practices can be usefully complemented spherical panoramic online delivery. Implications results may improve patient care, thereby optimizing examination procedure reducing fear. However, further research is needed characterize VCE more comprehensively.