Aim: The overall aim was to explore how patients with spinal metastasesexperience a magnetic resonance imaging examination (MRI). Furthermore,the purpose was to investigate the radiographers’ perceptions of the patients’care needs and what measures can be taken to relieve the suffering associatedwith an MRI examination.

Methods: The design for all four studies was qualitative with content analysisused in Studies I, III and IV and a phenomenographic approach in Study II.

Main Findings: The results showed that the patients could experience worry,anxiety, insecurity and pain during an MRI examination. These adverse feelingscan be reduced by adjustments to the examination’s routines as well as byadjustments to the examination’s settings. A short break in the middle of theexamination can be beneficial if the patient is involved in the decision regardingthe break or other adjustments made in conjunction with the examination.Radiographers’ perceptions of the caring for patients were influenced by theircaring perspective and their approach towards what they consider to be essentialin the care of patients with spinal metastasis. The radiographers used theirintuition as a moral compass when they decided what, when and how to adjustthe different aspects of the MRI examination. A shortage of time can affect theextent of the adjustments that can be made as well as the establishment of acaring relationship with the patient.

Conclusions: The patients may feel a sense of security when they receive correctinformation prior to and during the examination. Patients want to influencetheir own care. The personalization and adjustments of the examinationroutines need to be performed in agreement with the patient. The radiographersshould not use intuition as the foundation for their care and assumptions aboutthe care needs of the patients should be avoided. The