May 17, 2013 — Facilitating collaboration between radiologic technologists and radiologists to improve patient care, communication and quality improvement is one of the key safety recommendations outlined in a new white paper from the ASRT Foundation.
Developed by a subcommittee of the Foundation’s Health Care Industry Advisory Council, “Patient Safety and Quality in Medical Imaging: The Radiologic Technologists’ Role” highlights best practices and recommendations focused on three areas in the medical imaging environment: workplace staffing, technology gaps and workplace culture. The information provides medical imaging departments with practical steps they can take to ensure radiologic technologists have the tools and support they need to perform their jobs.
In the workplace staffing category, the subcommittee identified scheduling adequate time for radiologic technologists to learn about new and upgraded equipment installations and decreased personal interaction between radiologic technologists and radiologists as two areas that need improvement. In addition to improving collaboration between radiologic technologists and radiologists, the subcommittee recommended developing department staffing policies and procedures to facilitate safe patient care.
Gaps in understanding new technology also garnered attention. For example, the committee identified computer literacy, basic principles of imaging with digital equipment, comfort level with technology and equipment manufacturers’ lack of consistent equipment terminology as prime issues that challenge departments. As a result, the white paper recommends that medical imaging departments provide effective and efficient applications training for new and upgraded medical imaging equipment.
For more information: www.asrtfoundation.org
August 06, 2024 
