The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Foundation has released a new white paper that provides imaging departments with best practices and recommendations on how to improve quality and safety in the medical imaging environment.
The white paper, "Patient Safety and Quality in Medical Imaging: The Radiologic Technologists' Role," focuses on workplace staffing, technology gaps, and workplace culture, according to the ASRT. It provides imaging departments with practical steps for ensuring that radiologic technologists have the tools and support they need to perform their jobs, the society said.
Developed by a subcommittee of the foundation's Health Care Industry Advisory Council, the white paper includes recommendations such as facilitating collaboration between radiologic technologists and radiologists to improve patient care, communication, and quality improvement.
The paper also targets two areas that need improvement: adequate scheduling time for technologists to learn about new and upgraded equipment installations, and decreased personal interaction between technologists and radiologists. The subcommittee also recommended that department staffing policies and procedures be developed to facilitate patient care.
In addition, the report stated that departments are being challenged by technology issues, such as computer literacy, basic principles of imaging with digital equipment, comfort level with technology, and equipment manufacturers' lack of consistent equipment terminology. As a result, the white paper authors recommend that imaging departments provide effective and efficient applications training for new and upgraded medical imaging equipment.
The white paper can be accessed on the ASRT Foundation website.
