Image Gently(SM): a national education and communication campaign in radiology using the science of social marketing

J Am Coll Radiol. 2008 Dec;5(12):1200-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2008.06.007.

Abstract

Communication campaigns are an accepted method for altering societal attitudes, increasing knowledge, and achieving social and behavioral change particularly within public health and the social sciences. The Image Gently(SM) campaign is a national education and awareness campaign in radiology designed to promote the need for and opportunities to decrease radiation to children when CT scans are indicated. In this article, the relatively new science of social marketing is reviewed and the theoretical basis for an effective communication campaign in radiology is discussed. Communication strategies are considered and the type of outcomes that should be measured are reviewed. This methodology has demonstrated that simple, straightforward safety messages on radiation protection targeted to medical professionals throughout the radiology community, utilizing multiple media, can affect awareness potentially leading to change in practice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Communication*
  • Health Promotion / methods
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration*
  • Marketing of Health Services / methods
  • Marketing of Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Mass Media*
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods
  • Patient Education as Topic / organization & administration*
  • Radiation Protection / methods*
  • Radiology / methods
  • Radiology / organization & administration*
  • United States