The simplest definition of communication is the exchange of
information through one means or another. Verbal communication and other non-
verbal forms are sometimes complex and create difficulty. In the world of diagnostic imaging it’s no
different than in the regular world. In order to better help the patient it’s
vital that radiologists better communicate with clinicians.
Radiologists don’t just read an X-Ray and formulate a
diagnosis. Radiologists have a responsibility to communicate properly with the
clinicians and also provide results in a manner that puts the patient at ease.
As procedures get more complex and require more attention, so to does the
evolution of communication. A radiologist cannot just jot down a few notes and
take a wild stab at a possible issue. It’s important that a diagnosis be the
correct one. Often times a procedure may be repeated but in order to avoid the
extra expense it is vital to get that treatment program right away.
According to Dr. Mark Flyer “During the past decade, the field of radiology
has also grown exponentially, and clinicians have ordered significantly more
diagnostic exams across all modalities. In today's fast-paced and
consumer-driven medical environment, more demands are imposed on clinicians to
deliver quick and accurate care. These increasing demands have made it
difficult for them to review imaging results in a timely fashion, resulting in
potentially dire consequences for their patients and medicolegal implications
for their organizations.”
What Dr. Flyer is basically is stating that timeliness is vital but it
cannot sacrifice accuracy. Dr. Flyer refers to a critical test results
management software oriented toward the improvement of communication between
radiologists and clinicians. Another interesting point brought up by Dr. Flyer
was “Radiologist-clinician communication failure is a major concern in today's
malpractice litigation, and it has become a major focus for improvement and
regulation by the ACR. The process of reaching clinicians in today's hospital
environment is often time-consuming and reduces radiologists' productivity.”
Malpractice litigation is a major issue and when it can be traced back to
miscommunication it makes it nearly impossible for physicians in general to be
able to perform properly.
As time passes these systems will continue to improve communication,
timeliness and accuracy for the patient. Ultimately the goal is to make medical
practice as successful as possible and the patient satisfied.
If you have any questions about diagnostic imaging procedures please
feel free to give us a call. We here at Clermont Radiology look forward to
answering any questions you may have.
Charla
Hurst
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